The Diocese Nivariense announced yesterday that it is finalising arrangements for the episcopal ordination of Eloy Santiago as the new bishop of Tenerife. This ceremony will occur tomorrow at 11:00 in the cathedral of La Laguna, which has been closed in recent days to complete the final touches.
Eloy Santiago will be ordained by the Apostolic Nuncio, Bernardito Cleopas, after the passing of Pope Francis has hindered the attendance of several cardinals and bishops, including the Lithuanian cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, an archpriest of the papal basilica of Santa María la Mayor, as stated by the Bishopric. The event will also see the participation of the titular and auxiliary bishops of the Canary Islands, José Mazuelos and Cristóbal Déniz, respectively.
Moreover, two nuncios (from the nunciatures of Spain and Portugal), as well as 14 bishops (three of whom are emeritus), and approximately 265 priests are expected to attend the celebration.
The cathedral will accommodate around 1,200 attendees, who will gain entry via accreditation. To maximise space within the church, additional seating will be provided on the sides, and several screens will be set up to enhance visibility of the ceremony. Outside, the event can also be followed through screens with an anticipated additional audience of 1,700 people. Specifically, screens will be situated on San Agustín street, adjacent to the church of the Hospital of Our Lady of Dolores, as well as on Bencomo and Deán Palahí streets. Smaller screens will also be positioned on the main façade of the cathedral. Furthermore, the event will be broadcast live on Televisión Canaria, along with thirteen TV and Cope Canarias.
A group of volunteers will manage all logistical aspects to appropriately situate individuals from parishes, congregations, and other groups.
Programme
The day will begin at 10:30 am, with the procession of clergy to the cathedral. The celebration will commence at 11:00, featuring musical performances by Orfeón La Paz and the Epiphany choir. Since Eloy Santiago is not only being ordained as Bishop but will also assume possession of the diocese, the celebration is anticipated to last roughly two hours.
From the diocese, it was emphasised that one significant moment will be the imposition of hands. The newly appointed bishop will kneel before the Nuncio, who will silently impose his hands on the chosen one’s head. Subsequently, the other bishops will follow suit. Then, Bernardito Cleopas will take the Book of the Gospels and will place it open upon the head of the newly ordained bishop. After the anointing with the Holy Crisma and the presentation of the Gospel and episcopal insignia, the liturgy of ordination will conclude. The new bishop will take his seat, after which he will rise to greet the nuncio, the bishops, and a representative assembly from the diocese.
Eloy Santiago will address the congregation during the final part of the celebration, marking his first words as the new bishop of the Nivariense diocese.
Monsignor Santiago, who will be the thirteenth bishop of San Cristóbal de la Laguna, expressed that he is experiencing these days with immense joy and intensity: “I feel enveloped in the prayers of countless individuals, alongside the love and warmth extended to me by so many people from the Nivariense diocese and other friends.”
Additionally, he remarked on the significance of providence, noting that it almost coincides with the start of his episcopate alongside the election of a new Pope: “I believe this is a sign that encourages me to remain vigilant in nurturing and promoting communion with the universal church. It also serves as an invitation to allow myself to be guided by the successor of Peter.”
