7 Jan 2013

THE EPISCOPAL ORDINATION OF MOST REV. DR. FORTUNATUS NWACHUKWU (PICTURES)

On November 12, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Most Rev. Dr. Fortunatus Nwachukwu (his former Head of Protocols) as the Titular Archbishop of Aquaviva and at the same time the Apostolic Nuncio to Nicaragua. On January 6, 2013 (the Feast of Epiphany of our Lord) at   St. Peter’s Basilica Rome, he was ordained an Archbishop by His Holiness alongside Nicolas Thevenin (Apostolic Nuncio to Guatemala), Georg Ganswein (prefect of the papal household and the Pope’s personal Secretary), and Angelo Zani (the new Secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education). It was a very colourful ceremony as can be seen from some selected pictures below.

His Grace, Most Rev Dr. Fortunatus Nwachukwu.
Procession before the Mass.
Introductory Rites; the Pope.
First Reading.
During the Gospel Reading.
Homily by the Pope.
Litany of the Saints.
Litany of the Saints.
Presentation of Candidate
Laying of Hands & Prayer of Ordination.
Anointing of the Head...
Receiving the Ring, the Seal of Fidelity.
Investiture: the Skullcap.
Investiture: the Miter, Splendor of Holiness.
Investiture: the Crosier, the Sign of Pastoral Office.
Behold the New Archbishop, His Grace, Most Rev Dr. Fortunatus Nwachukwu.
Kiss of Peace with the Pope. 
Kiss of Peace with the Cardinals and other Archbishops.
Ecce Homo, Procession after the Mass.
Ecce Sarcedos Magnus.
 Lee Nnukwu Ukochukwu. Behold the High Priest.
Vote of Thanks after the Reception.