The Nivariense diocese expects approximately 1,200 attendees, including two nuncios, 14 bishops, and over 250 priests for the ceremony.
La Laguna (Tenerife), 29 (Europa Press)
The Apostolic Nuncio in Spain, Bernardito Cleopas, will officiate on Thursday at the cathedral in La Laguna, marking the official appointment of Eloy Santiago as the new bishop of the Nivariense diocese. This follows the death of Pope Francis, which has hindered the attendance of some cardinals and bishops, including the Lithuanian cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Arcipreste Coadjucer of the Basilica of Santa Maria. Elderly.
Makrickas, who was originally slated to officiate the ordination, must now be present at the conclave and has also taken charge of planning the burial of the Supreme Pontiff.
The ceremony’s concelebrants will include the titular and auxiliary bishops of the Diocese of the Canary Islands, José Mazuelos and Cristóbal Déniz, respectively.
Additionally, two nuncios (from the nunciatures of Spain and Portugal), 14 bishops (three of whom are emeritus), and around 265 priests, both diocesan and those from outside the province, as detailed by the Tenerife diocese in an announcement.
The cathedral in La Laguna will welcome approximately 1,200 participants, who will gain entry through prior accreditation.
Furthermore, outside the cathedral and at the Hospital of Dolores, the celebration will be broadcasted on screens, allowing about 1,700 individuals to attend the liturgy from outside the temple.
A group of volunteers will manage the organisational aspects to direct attendees from parishes, congregations, or movements to their designated areas.
Specifically, screens will be set up on San Agustín street, outside the Church of the Hospital of Our Lady of Dolores; as well as on Bencomo and Deán Palahí.
Smaller screens will also be mounted on the main facade of the cathedral, while supplementary seating will be arranged on the sides to accommodate more guests inside.
Moreover, additional screens will enhance visibility for attendees during the ceremony.
Regarding transport, Guaguas will drop off passengers at the Plaza del Adelantado, where they will be escorted by Local Police to the various locations for following the celebration.
A two-hour celebration
The day’s events will commence at 10.30 am with a clergy procession to the cathedral, followed by the celebration starting at 11.00 am, featuring musical contributions from the Orfeón La Paz and the Epiphany choir.
Since Eloy Santiago will not only be ordained as bishop but will also take possession of the diocese, the event is anticipated to last around two hours.
After the opening procession and initial rites, the liturgy of the word will get underway, followed by the liturgy of ordination.
The Bishop-elect will be introduced to the Assembly, after which the chancellor of the Diocese will read the papal bull, dated February 24 of this year, appointing Eloy Santiago as the new bishop of the Diocese of San Cristóbal de la Laguna.
Following the homily delivered by the Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor Santiago will make the promises required for his ordination.
One of the key moments will be the laying on of hands, as highlighted by the diocese, where the selected bishop will stand, approach the nuncio, and kneel before him while he places his hands upon the head of the appointed individual.
Subsequently, other bishops will approach in turn to do the same.
Bernardito Cleopas will then take the Book of the Gospels and place it open on the head of the Bishop-elect.
Following the anointing with Holy Crisma and the presentation of the Gospel and episcopal insignia, the ordination liturgy will conclude.
The new bishop will take his seat, then rise to receive greetings from the nuncio, all the bishops, and a representative group from the diocese, symbolising his acceptance into the Episcopal College.
Eloy Santiago will reach out to the congregation at the conclusion of the celebration, offering a brief greeting, sharing his first words as the new bishop of the Nivariense diocese.
Monsignor Santiago, who will be the thirteenth bishop of La Laguna, expressed that he is experiencing these days with immense joy and intensity.
“These are days of intensity”
“I feel enveloped in the prayers of so many individuals and the warmth and welcome extended by numerous people from the Nivariense diocese and other friends. These are indeed intense days, but also a profound moment of faith in the Lord, entrusting my life and the episcopal service assigned to me into His hands,” he stated.
Moreover, Santiago remarked on the significance of Providence aligning the start of his episcopate with the election of a new Pope.
“I believe it is a circumstance that encourages me to remain vigilant in nurturing and fostering communion with the global church. It also serves as an invitation for me to be guided by the successor of Peter, who presides over us all in faith and charity, thus bearing witness to our unity,” he remarked.
