by Karen Bonar
Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Although Archbishop Shawn McKnight was installed as the archdiocese’s newest archbishop May 27, it was five days before he was welcomed to the Cathedral of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, during the cathedra Mass.
“As I stood at the doors of the cathedral and knocked with a golden hammer, I was deeply moved by what that act represents: Christ himself knocking at the door of his church, inviting us to open our hearts to his presence,” Archbishop McKnight wrote on a Facebook post later that day. “The faithful gathered in welcome reminded me that this community belongs not to any one person, but to Christ and his people.”
The archbishop knocked on the door of the cathedral, then was invited in by its rector, Father Anthony Saiki, at the 10 a.m. Mass June 1.
“It is my great joy and solemn privilege to welcome you to the Cathedral of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, your cathedral church,” said Father Saiki during the welcome address. “This cathedral, this mother church of the archdiocese, is your church. As the archbishop of this local church of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, this cathedral is the seat of your episcopal ministry, the visible sign of your teaching, sanctifying and governing authority in Christ.
“From this chair — the cathedra — you will proclaim the Gospel, preside over the Eucharist and shepherd us, the people of God, entrusted to your care.”
Archbishop McKnight incensed the altar before taking the cathedra.
“Taking my seat on the cathedra, the bishop’s chair, was a humbling experience,” he wrote. “It is a symbol not of authority for its own sake, but of the bishop’s call to serve, teach and shepherd in communion with the people of God. From that place, I commit myself to walk with you in faith — listening, guiding and striving always to reflect the mercy and truth of the Gospel.”
To view more photos from the cathedra Mass, click here.
