Bishop Donald Kettler

During the service, Bishop-elect Neary made a Profession of Faith and took an Oath of Fidelity, which he and his predecessor, Bishop Donald Kettler, signed. A ring, pectoral cross and crosier were also blessed to be given to him at his ordination.

The Gospel reading was from Matthew 5:13-16, in which Jesus tells his disciples: “You are the light of the world” and that their light must shine before others. Bishop Kettler referenced the passage in his homily.

“As we give thanks for the gifts of faith, mercy and salvation in God’s eternal kingdom, we give thanks for Pope Benedict’s part in bringing much of this to us, God’s people. He gave his entire life to building that kingdom,” Bishop Kettler said.

Pope Francis has named Father Patrick Neary, C.S.C., a member of Congregation of Holy Cross, as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Saint Cloud.

A recording of Bishop Donald Kettler celebrating the Diocesan TV Mass for The Nativity of the Lord can be accessed on Christmas Eve, Friday, Dec. 24, and Christmas, Saturday, Dec. 25.

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Couples celebrating milestone anniversaries of 5, 25, 40, 50, 60 and 60-plus years in 2021 gathered at St. Mary Church in Melrose Oct. 2.

Parishioners of St. Joseph in Clarissa, Christ the King in Browerville, St. John the Baptist in Swanville, St. Joseph in Grey Eagle and St. Mary of Mount Carmel in Long Prairie celebrated in a new outdoor Mass space on the grounds of Christ the King called “The King’s Court.”