The Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta may have been empty this afternoon when Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv. was installed as the seventh Archbishop of Atlanta, but the excitement and anticipation were palpable. I had the great honor and blessing to be one of the few attendees. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the ceremony was held in private, and social distancing measures were put into place.
After knocking three times at the cathedral door, Monsignor Frank McNamee, Rector of the Cathedral, welcomed Archbishop Hartmayer in the name of all the faithful of Atlanta. The Archbishop wished all gathered peace, kissed a crucifix which was later given to him as a gift from the cathedral to use as a pectoral cross, and blessed those present with holy water.
Once he stood at the cathedra, the Papal Nuncio Archbishop Christophe Pierre greeted us by video and read the Apostolic Mandate that relieved the Archbishop from his duties as Ordinary of Savannah and transferred him to Atlanta. Afterwards, the mandate was shown to some of the priests of the Archdiocese who serve as members of the College of Consultors. This hearkens to the days of old when the Papal seal would have to be inspected to guarantee the authenticity of the document.
After a brief exchange of words between the Archbishop and the outgoing Archdiocesan Administrator, Bishop Joel Konzen, the Archbishop was presented with the staff that belonged to the first Bishop of Atlanta. Immediately after, the three priests in attendance from Atlanta made a reverence toward the Archbishop as a welcoming gesture.
“I stand here before you this afternoon – humbled, grateful and joyful – in this blessed and beautiful Cathedral of Christ the King, to accept the appointment of Pope Francis to this extraordinary See of Atlanta,” began the homily of Archbishop Hartmayer. “I stand here today as both a sheep and a shepherd, relying, as never before, on the unwavering protection of the Good Shepherd who lay down His life for us.”
Compared to his words last night at the Vespers Service that reminded the faithful of the difficulties and struggles ahead, today’s homily was very hopeful and upbeat. “With God’s grace we will make the most of the unique position in which we find ourselves and the incredible opportunities that lie ahead.”
He expressed gratitude to the many who have so warmly welcomed him back to Atlanta, and to those who have played a significant role in his life, including his family.
At the conclusion of the installation Mass, the Archbishop approached a group of faithful who had gathered outside the cathedral on the sidewalk with homemade placards and banners urging him to open the churches. He actively listened to their concerns, warmly chatted with them, and imparted to them his blessing.
A brief press conference was held at the steps of the cathedral where local news reporters were free to ask questions.
A delicious lunch followed at the cathedral rectory for the priests who gathered to celebrate the installation of the new Archbishop.
Despite the unusual circumstances of the day, the Archbishop is excited and ready to get to work. He expressed his desire not to wait any longer, but to go ahead with the installation on the previously agreed upon date. He looks forward to a future day when the faithful will gather for a archdiocesan celebration. Ideally, at this future celebration, the Papal Nuncio will impose on him the Pallium. The Pallium is a simple vestment that the Pope gives to every newly named archbishop of the world. Archbishop Hartmayer plans to travel to Rome in late June along with two other newly appointed U.S. archbishops to receive the Pallium.
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