(ANS - Rome) – The episcopal ordination of two eminent sons of Don Bosco, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation and Titular Archbishop-elect of Ursona, and Monsignor Giordano Piccinotti, Titular Archbishop-elect of Gradisca and President of the Administration of the Heritage of the Apostolic See (APSA).

His Eminence, Cardinal Emil Paul Tscherrig, Apostolic Nuncio Emeritus to Italy and the Republic of San Marino, conferred the Episcopal Ordinations, together with two co-consecrators: Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, SDB, Archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, and Mons. Lucas Van Looy, SDB, Bishop Emeritus of Ghent, Belgium.

Numerous prelates of the Church and important personalities participated in the Eucharistic celebration, as well as the families of the newly consecrated Salesians, friends, benefactors, and members of the Salesian Family, and finally special guests from governments and the armed forces.

In his simple and incisive homily, Cardinal Emil Paul Tscherrig, the main consecrator, shared some reflections with the future bishops, stating: "We are gathered here to celebrate one of the greatest miracles of the Church: the apostolic succession. Since the time of the Apostles, this succession has been transmitted through the laying on of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit. The grace of the episcopal ministry has always passed from one bishop to another and this uninterrupted succession continues today."

Quoting Pope Francis, Cardinal Tscherrig stated: "Becoming a bishop implies a missionary choice capable of transforming everything." He emphasised that those who accept the role of shepherds in Christ's flock must learn to see people with His eyes, to think like Him, and to love like Him. Quoting Pope Francis once again, he stated: "Life grows if it is given away, while it weakens in isolation and comfort. Indeed, those who enjoy life most are those who leave the safety of the shore and become enthusiastic about the mission of communicating life to others." Then, he concluded by saying that the legacy of the bishop is not honour or power, but only God. A good shepherd offers his life for the flock, following the example of Jesus Christ, and newly consecrated bishops are called to emulate him completely.

Immediately after the homily, the consecration ceremony began, and the candidates were interviewed; This was followed by the invocation of the Holy Spirit and the solemn intercession of the Litany of All the Saints, accompanied by the prayer song of the choir. While the consecrators performed the apostolic tradition of the laying on of hands, a religious silence fell between the magnificently adorned walls of the Basilica of St Mary Major. After being anointed and receiving their respective mitres, rings and croziers, the two newly consecrated Bishops were symbolically enthroned, and welcomed with thunderous applause. The faithful, the religious, the clergy and the choir exploded in great joy, solemnly singing the "Te Deum". Then the two new bishops proceeded to impart their apostolic blessings to all those present.

After Communion, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, representing the two newly consecrated Bishops, expressed heartfelt thanks with the enthusiasm of the Salesian spirit. He affirmed the strong communion of the Salesians with the Church and the Holy Father, which was born from Don Bosco, and with great humility and conviction he declared that they will continue to serve the Church and above all the poor. The solemn final blessing of the President of the Mass concluded the entire celebration, accompanied by the resonant voices singing the traditional song to Don Bosco "Giù dai Colli!".

The sacred rites of the Consecration and the Holy Eucharist testified to the universality of the Catholic Church. In addition to the General Councilors, various Inspectors and Superiors of the Salesian Family from all over the world, several Cardinals were present at the solemn Mass, including:

• H.E. Card. Tarcisio Bertone, Former Vatican Secretary of State.
• H.E. Card. Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for Eastern Churches.
• H.E. Card. Lazarus You Heung-sik, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy.
• H.E. Card. Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
• H.E. Card. Domenico Calcagno, President Emeritus of APSA.
• H.E. Card. Giuseppe Bertello, President Emeritus of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and the Governorate.
• H.E. Card Konrad Krajewski, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity.
• H.E. Card. Cristóbal López Romero, SDB, Archbishop of Rabat, Morocco.
• H.E. Card. Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet, SDB, Archbishop of Montevideo, Uruguay.
• H.E. Card. Óscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga, SDB, Archbishop Emeritus of Tegucigalpa.
• H.E. Card. Riccardo Ezzati Andrello, SDB, Archbishop Emeritus of Santiago de Chile.

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