Posted on 10/27/2006 10:22:15 AM PDT by NYer
The ordination and installation of Bishop Paul Swain, makes him the 8th Bishop in the Sioux Falls Diocese. "Have the power to forgive sins among your demand," said St. Paul/Minneapolis Archbishop Harry Flynn.
"It's just amazing, the one thing that really touches my heart the most is when they hold the book of gospel over him and the responsibility and weight of that, as a Bishop to be our spiritual leader. That symbolism there," said Catholic Dawn Wolf.
He waited until he was 44 years young, before joining the priesthood. Now, at the age of 66, Bishop Swain is welcomed to the Sioux Falls Diocese with open arms. "We're just elated to have a Bishop, have a direction and someone who's really spiritual and prayerful and strong in convictions and beliefs. Based on what we've heard at the ordination," said Father Brian P. Simon, Clear Lake, Estelline, Gary.
"This law is not perfect legislation, but it will better respect and protect the vulnerable unborn and vulnerable mothers and declare the core value for all human life and I am proud to say the first vote I will cast as a South Dakota is yes for Referred Law 6," said Bishop Swain.
"Could not have been more proud as a Catholic as a South Dakotan could not have been more proud of his courage, his conviction and his belief to make such a strong statement right away," said Wolf.
After the ceremony, the public was able to meet and greet the new Bishop. Swain replaces Bishop Robert Carlson, who left almost two years ago to serve a Diocese in Michigan.
Bishop Swain will make his Thanksgiving pilgrimage across eastern South Dakota until December Third.
WASHINGTON (August 31, 2006)—Pope Benedict XVI appointed Monsignor Paul J. Swain, Vicar General of the Diocese of Madison, as Bishop of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Bishop-designate Swain succeeds Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson who was appointed Bishop of Saginaw in December, 2004.
Msgr. Martin Krebs, Charge d’Affaires at the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, announced the appointment.
Paul J. Swain earned a B.A. in History at Ohio Northern University, a Master of Arts in Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, a doctorate in law at the University of Wisconsin Law School, and a Master of Divinity degree at Pope John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, MA.
He is a veteran of the Vietnam War, awarded the Bronze Star, and was a practicing attorney in Madison for three years.
Ordained a priest of the Madison diocese on May 27, 1988, he has been associate pastor, pastor, priest-secretary to Bishop William H. Bullock, Vice Chancellor and Moderator of the Curia. He currently serves as pastor of St. Bernard parish, Middleton, in addition to his work as Vicar General.
Established in 1889, the Diocese of Sioux Falls comprises that part of the State of South Dakota east of the Missouri River. It has a Catholic population of approximately 129,000 in a total population of about 524,000.
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Wow. Impressive, and chosen by Pope Benedict to boot.
Bishop Carlson is one of the very good ones. Prayers for Bishop Swain and Bishop Carlson.
Good news and prayer bump.
TV and radio websites are notorious for their garbled print stories. I hope that's what this is.
I feel an impulse to respond, "And all your base are belong to us."
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061027/NEWS/610270334
Sounds like a keeper!
I'm proud to say that the first vote I will cast as a South Dakotan will be yes for Referred Law 6," Swain said, to applause and a standing ovation.
Referred Law 6 is the abortion ban, which was passed by the state Legislature earlier this year and will be decided by voters. It outlaws all abortions except those done to save a pregnant woman's life.
"This law is not perfect legislation, but it will better respect and protect the vulnerable," Swain said.
He also said he would vote yes on Constitutional Amendment C. Approval of Amendment C would amend the South Dakota Constitution to recognize marriages between only a man and a woman.
Swain said he was not judging or demeaning anyone by doing so but preserving the common good and encouraging family life."
Any opinions from your records?
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