Charismatic Renewal Services Director Romanus Ajaero reports to the Archdioce of Boston through the Evangelization and Discipleship Secretariat. This office has been headed by Father Cristiano Barbosa, who reports to Cardinal Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap. Romanus reports that Father Barbosa has strong roots in Charismatic Renewal from his native Brazil. Brazilian members of the renewal tell of how supportive Father Barbosa has been to their communities and parishes.

Several months ago Pope Francis announced that Father Barbosa would be ordained to the office of Bishop, Auxiliary to Cardinal O'Malley in Boston. His ordination took place this morning at Boston's Holy Cross Cathedral. Cardinal Sean was assisted in the Ordination by Boston Auxiliary Bishops Mark O'Connell and Robert Reed. Many other Bishops and Priests attended. 

I knew that I would have to leave home early to get a seat at the Cathedral. But I was too slow and when I arrived all seats were taken and all aisles were jammed with people ... a testament to Father Barbosa's admiration by the community. So I just stood in a back corner among the crowd and snapped a panorama picture of the overflow crowd to email to my wife who couldn't make the trip.

To my delight I was standing next to a stairway where all the Bishops and priests emerged from the lower church to start the procession. Perfect place to grab some close-up photos! It was great to see Deacon Alvaro Soares, our former CRS Boston director as the principal liturgy assistant to the Cardinal. The long entrance procession was led by priests and dignitaries. When the bishops and Bishop Elect Barbosa finally joined the march to the Sancturary, the crowd exploded with cheers and applause. The massive Brazillian attendence fanned the flame of the Spirit which prevailed during the ordination.

Several of us senior citizens were concerned about having to stand several hours through the service. As if sent by an angel, a woman announced that we could go down the stairs and watch the service in the chapel on a TV. I was able to sit near the TV and grab several more photos of the ceremony.

The liturgy of the Word focused on the calling of our new Bishop to mission: Isaiah 6 challenged him to go and bring good news to the afflicted. 2 Timithy 1 urged this Bishop to fan into flame the Gift of God without fear. And John 21 called Bishop Barbosa to follow Jesus and feed his sheep.

The Ordination ceremony started by reading to the Bishops and congregation the Edict from Pope Fracis electing Barbosa to the Episcopy. Cardinal Sean then questioned him on his desire to fulfill the many aspects of the office: To announce the Good News; To share the treasury of faith; To Papal faithfulness; To collaborate with bishops, priests and deacons on the road to salvation; To show the love and mercy of God to the poor, infirm, and needy; To seek and bring lost sheep to the Lord; To pray for the people and perform the priestly mission. Bishop Barbosa answered; "I desire" to each of these duties. He then prostrated in the sancturary while the gathered Bishops prayed for him.

Laying of hands and the prayer of ordination followed a blessing litany. Next he was anointed on the head with a liberal amount of oil and given the marks of his new office: The book of the Gospels, his ring, the Miter, and his Crosier. He then took his seat with his fellow Bishops and that all exchanged a kiss of peace. The Eucharistic liturgy followed. After the ceremony a public reception was held in the school adjacent to the Cathedral.

We are blessed to have Bishop Barbosa as the Boston Renewal's friend and motivator.

Mike Marraffino  Feb 3, 2024