Bishop Wester celebrates installation anniversary

Intermountain Catholic

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IC photo/Marie Mischel

The Most Rev. John C. Wester celebrated the sixth anniversary of his installation as Bishop of Salt Lake City March 15 with a Mass in the Cathedral of the Madeleine, concelebrated by Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, vicar general; Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald, vicar general emeritus; and Monsignor Joseph M. Mayo, Cathedral rector. Deacon Lynn Johnson assisted.

"It would appear that my sixth anniversary has been eclipsed by another event in our church that took place just 48 hours ago or so, and that is the election of the pope," Bishop Wester said. "But if we think about it, perhaps, the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Francis, can help us to celebrate my anniversary as well.... We’ve noticed right from the beginning that Pope Francis is a humble man and he is, in so many words, telling us that it’s not about him so much as it is about God."

The day’s Gospel reading (John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30) reflected that theme, Bishop Wester pointed out. He added, "This celebration of my anniversary and the Pope’s election is a celebration of God’s goodness in our lives; it’s just one more example of the infinite examples we have of God’s love and of God’s goodness in our lives." Bishop Wester also thanked those in the diocese.

"You are the ones who help me stay focused, to make sure that I’m doing my best to reflect God’s presence in your midst, as you do for me," he said. "I want to thank each of you for helping me to be who I am today after six years here as Bishop of Salt Lake City."