By Cathy Tilzey
Bishop George Leo Thomas stood outside the great doors of the Cathedral of St. Helena the evening of June 3, waiting for the moment to enter and be greeted as the soon-to-be-installed 10th Bishop of Helena.
Indian drummers had finished their performance outside the main entrance. People stood in the cathedral’s vestibule to welcome the Anaconda native home. The first to approach him was a woman from the Salish-Kootenai people at the Flathead Reservation.
Monsignor
Kevin O’Neill, who served as apostolic administrator of the diocese since last
August, spoke. Then the bishop stepped inside to receive the cathedral’s crucifix
and holy water, which he and Monsignor O’Neill sprinkled on the assembled ministers,
clergy and people. More than 700 attended.
They also paused at the paschal candle before beginning the evening prayer.
June 3 was the 80th anniversary of the cathedral’s consecration (now termed a dedication), so the evening thanksgiving which Bishop Thomas proclaimed was reminiscent of the prayer of dedication for a church.
Nine Montanans welcomed the new bishop. Several presented gifts.
Monsignor Donald W. Shea of Bigfork, representing the priests of the diocese, wished him a long ministry as Bishop of Helena, eliciting laughter from the congregation. Two other bishops have been installed here in the past 10 years.
Sister Elizabeth Olsen, BVM of Missoula, greeted him on behalf of religious sisters.
Deacon Dan Casazza of Eureka spoke for permanent deacons, and Rose Nistler of Helena for the laity.
President Thomas Trebon of Carroll College greeted the bishop, who will serve as chancellor of the Catholic school.
Welcoming the bishop for Native Americans were Hank Baylor of the Salish-Kootenai and Gertie Heavyrunner of the Blackfeet.
Margaret MacDonald of Billings, executive director of the Montana Association of Churches, spoke for the interfaith organization and Helena Mayor James Smith welcomed the bishop to the capital city.
Several bishops and leaders of other Christian denominations attended the prayer service.
Archbishop Alex J. Brunett of Seattle, for whom Bishop Thomas served as auxiliary bishop for four years, gave the homily. He shared insights he learned from working with Bishop Thomas.
“I know from personal experience that Bishop Thomas believes the important Catholic principle that all people are sacred, created in the image of God, and they are to be treated as such,” Archbishop Brunett said. “He believes in the Catholic principle that all life is sacred from beginning to end because it is redeemed and sanctified. He believes that freedom is important for every human being.”
Bishop Thomas welcomes the opportunity to work with the Montana Association of Churches, he added, mentioning MAC’s involvement in ecumenism. Archbishop Brunett has been active in ecumenism for many years.
“Ecumenism has always been a special interest of Bishop Thomas’,” he explained. “He has been dismayed, as I have, that we have so much controversy, hatred and competition in teaching and living the faith, when it should be a source of unity and love. Bishop Thomas has always believed in the adage that to seek unity, you must have a profound respect and appreciation for diversity.”
The archbishop spoke directly to Bishop Thomas about building on a strong, solid and living tradition of faith; about teaching; about creating a pastoral plan for ministry; about empowering the Church of Helena, and encountering challenges.
Bishop Thomas began his reflections by acknowledging the prayers, friendship and support of all who attended.
In his 32 years of living in Washington state, “I have always carried in my heart special memories of Montana – its spirit of hospitality, a love of family, abiding friendships and a faith in God that is as wide and expansive as the Big Sky itself,” he said.
He intends “to listen attentively, to consult widely … and to draw upon your wisdom, experience, prayer, counsel and support,” he added.
Bishop Thomas acknowledged his four predecessors who served the Diocese of Helena for 36 years, five months and 13 days. “I am aware that I now stand on the shoulders of giants, and will strive to serve the people you love with the dedication of a shepherd’s care,” he said.
They were with him in the sanctuary: retired Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen of Seattle (Helena bishop 1962-75); Archbishop Elden F. Curtiss of Omaha, Neb. (1976-93); Archbishop Brunett (1994-97), and Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison, Wis. (1999-2003).
The papal nuncio, Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo of Washington, D.C., Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles and Archbishop John Vlazny of Portland, Ore., also sat behind the altar.
Bishop Thomas mentioned pastors and associates from his childhood; priests who taught him at Carroll; religious sisters and brothers who taught him in grade and high schools; and his family. Some of the priests and teachers were present, and most of his family including 15 nieces and nephews and more than 25 first cousins.
Published in The Montana Catholic, Vol. 20, No. 6, June 18, 2004.