Jim Goodness (973) 497-4186 goodneja@rcan.org

For Release :  October 9, 2001

Myers Installed as Fifth Archbishop of Newark
The Most Reverend John J. Myers, J.C.D., D.D., was installed as the Fifth Archbishop of Newark this afternoon before an overflow crowd at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, at a Mass attended by four Roman Catholic cardinals and some 60 archbishops and bishops from throughout the country. More than 300 priests and deacons from the Archdiocese, neighboring New Jersey and New York dioceses, and the Diocese of Peoria, as well as civic leaders and representatives of New Jersey’s Jewish, Protestant and Orthodox communities, were in attendance. Some 2,000 people attended the standing-room-only service.

Also in attendance at the Installation were members of Archbishop Myers’ family and guests from the Diocese of Peoria, where he had served previously as Bishop.

The Most Reverend Paul G. Bootkoski, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of the Archdiocese, welcomed all guests to the liturgy on behalf of the priests, religious and laity of the Archdiocese. Immediately following the welcome, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, The Most Reverend Gabriel Montalvo, J.C.D., read the mandate of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, authorizing Archbishop Myers to take canonical possession of the Archdiocese of Newark, a faith community of more than 1.3 million Catholics in Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties.

Sr. Thomas Mary Salerno, SC, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, presented the mandate to the College of Consultors of the Archdiocese of Newark, who examined it and affixed the archdiocesan seal. Archbishop Myers then was led to the cathedra, the throne of the bishop of the diocese, and presented with the staff, the sign of his pastoral office.

Those in attendance greeted him with thunderous applause after the formal seating, and representatives of diocesan groups, leaders of religious communities, and government officials extended personal greetings to Archbishop Myers.

Those not able to be present at the installation were able to view the ceremony via a live broadcast of the entire liturgy carried by News 12 New Jersey.

At the conclusion, guests were given the opportunity to greet Archbishop Myers at receptions at the Archdiocesan Center across from the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and at the Sheraton Meadowlands.

Pope John Paul II named Archbishop Myers to lead the ninth largest diocese in the United States on July 24, 2001. The Archdiocese extends over 511 square miles, and is geographically the smallest archdiocese in the United States. Some 1044 priests serve in the various parishes and other ministries in the Church of Newark. Permanent deacons, religious Sisters and Brothers total 1721. The Archdiocese of Newark encompasses 235 parishes, 175 private Catholic and parochial schools, one university and three colleges, eight hospitals and Catholic Community Services, the largest social service agency in the state of New Jersey.

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