By Robert King
Indianapolis Star
March 2, 2011
http://www.indystar.com/article/20110302/NEWS/103020399/1007/LIVING/1-000-witness-ordination-auxiliary-bishop-Indianapolis-Catholics?odyssey=nav%7Chead
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| People lined up today to get into St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church for the ordination of Rev. Christopher Coyne as the new auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. |
The Rev. Christopher J. Coyne was ordained today as an auxiliary bishop of the Roman Catholic Church in ceremonies that haven't been witnessed in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in nearly 80 years.
Archdiocese of Indianapolis has had such a ceremony in nearly 80 years.
Coyne, 52, will serve as the No. 2 official in the archdiocese and his task is straightforward -- assist Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein in any way he can. Buechlein, 72 and in poor health in recent years, requested help from the Vatican, initially seeking a bishop who would be his automatic replacement. He was given Coyne, a priest from the Archdiocese of Boston who will not be an automatic successor.
The ordination Mass included the reading of a letter from Pope Benedict XVI and applause of approval from the nearly 1,000 people gathered in St. John the Evangelist Church Downtown to witness it. It also featured Coyne lying prostrate on the floor as prayers seeking the help of the saints were offered.
And the crux of the affair featured three current bishops -- Buechlein, Bishop Paul Etienne, an Indiana native now bishop of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Bishop Richard Lennon of Cleveland -- laying hands on Coyne at one point and receiving a blessing from took place in St. John the Evangelist Church. It is a rite that church officials say dates back ot the original apostles of Christ.
Ten people from groups representing priest abuse victims stood in silent protest across street from church where new auxiliary bishop was to be ordained today.
They were holding signs proclaiming "protect the children," "Keep kids safe," and "Accountability."
Protesters say Coyne, as spokesman for Boston archdiocese, must have known about coverups of priest sex abuse and transfers of abusive priests to unsuspecting dioceses.
Call Star reporter Robert King at (317) 444-6089.
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