Installation of Bishop Bonnici sparks joy, tears

ROCHESTER — An almost palpable feeling of excitement filled the air March 19 as hundreds of people spilled out of sleek blue tour buses and made their way inside Sacred Heart Cathedral for Bishop John S. Bonnici’s installation as the Diocese of Rochester’s new shepherd. The throngs of people — including dozens of priests and deacons — had boarded the buses at nearby Aquinas Institute and would later return to the school’s fieldhouse for a reception with Bishop Bonnici. First, however, they wanted to witness history in the making as Bishop Bonnici became Rochester’s 10th bishop, succeeding Bishop Emeritus Salvatore R. Matano. Ellie Gough had been present both at Bishop Matano’s installation in 2014 and the 1979 installation of his predecessor, Bishop Matthew H. Clark, and she wasn’t about to let the small matter of a 100-mile drive from Horseheads keep her from attending Bishop Bonnici’s installation. “I just love celebrations in the church,” remarked Gough, 89. Gough, who belongs to St. Mary Our Mother in Horseheads, said she was eager to learn more about Bishop Bonnici, yet sad to bid farewell to Bishop Matano. “He’s been wonderful to Notre Dame High School (in Elmira). He is such a great man. We’re going to miss him,” Gough said. Diocesan Catholics praise Bishop Matano “We wanted to see Bishop Matano off and welcome the new bishop,” remarked Anthony Muscatella. The installation was a family affair for the Muscatellas. Anthony Muscatella’s wife, Lillian, was singing in the choir while he wrangled their 10-month-old son, Louis. His brother, Father James Muscatella, was ordained a diocesan priest in June 2024 and also was present at the installation. “Bishop Matano has been great for our diocese and our family. We’ve been blessed,” Anthony Muscatella said. Bishop Matano has been shepherd of the Rochester Diocese almost as long as high-school senior Aileen Loughran can remember. “I’ve grown up with him being the bishop for most of my life,” she said. “Bishop Matano has been such a blessing to the Diocese of Rochester.” Bishop Matano will be greatly missed, noted Robert Vazquez, mailroom and maintenance supervisor at the Diocese of Rochester’s Pastoral Center. “He’s a great example of who Jesus was. He’s kind, giving, wise and loving,” remarked Vazquez, who has worked for the diocese for 31 years. Bishop Matano’s example has been invaluable, agreed Regina Torregrossa. Torregrossa and her husband, David, attend Sacred Heart Cathedral, where their sons Mario and Rocco have been altar servers for several years. “It’s been cool being able to serve with the bishop,” remarked Mario, 13. “They’ve learned so much from him,” Regina Torregrossa added. “He’s just taught us so much. He’s been an inspiration.” At the same time, the family was eager to get to know Bishop Bonnici, she said. They did not have to wait long for the opportunity, as the Torregrossa family had been selected to represent diocesan families during the liturgy. After Bishop Bonnici was seated in the cathedra, or bishop’s chair, the family was among the representatives from various states of Christian life who greeted the new bishop before the liturgy continued. Bishop Bonnici praises his predecessor, promises to do his best Several moments later, Bishop Bonnici also had words of praise for his predecessor. “Bishop Matano, your ability to navigate through difficult times while remaining attentive to all of God’s people, especially the wounded and vulnerable, is a true inspiration,” Bishop Bonnici remarked during his homily. “Your friendship has and continues to be a treasured gift.” Bishop Matano and each of the Diocese of Rochester’s previous bishops did his part to serve his people’s needs and build up the local church, Bishop Bonnici said, noting that he aims to do the same. “I promise to do my best, with all the help of God, as the 10th bishop of Rochester to build upon the good of the past while serving the needs of God’s people in the present,” he pledged. Catholics in Rochester Diocese warmly receive their new shepherd Bishop Bonnici’s installation represents an important milestone for the diocese, and Sacred Heart parishioner Karen Hale said she was grateful for the opportunity to witness it. “I was so overwhelmed to get to come and so excited to be able to experience this. It was just so beautiful. I’m overwhelmed with joy,” Hale remarked after the liturgy. “Bishop Bonnici seems like a wonderful man. I can’t wait to see how he shepherds our diocese.” Judging from the warm reception Bishop Bonnici received, it appears Catholics in the Diocese of Rochester are already embracing their new shepherd, according to Thomas P. DiNapoli, New York state’s comptroller. A practicing Catholic, DiNapoli has been a fan of Bishop Bonnici for many years and jumped at the chance to travel to Rochester and support him. “I wanted to be here to be a part of his downstate admirers who were cheering him on,” DiNapoli explained. “Obviously, he’s a man of deep spiritual faith and conviction. He’s going to be a very good shepherd. He has a wonderful way with people.” Installation Mass sparks joy, tears, emotions The installation Mass inspired a flurry of emotions in many of those present at the cathedral, noted Mary-Jo Karpenko and John Robb of Charlotte’s Holy Cross Parish. On the one hand, Karpenko was sad to witness the end of Bishop Matano’s time as head of the diocese. At the same time, she was excited to welcome Bishop Bonnici and to be a part of a historic moment. “It was just very emotional. I found myself in tears a couple times. It was just joyful, really moving,” Karpenko said. “It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life,” agreed Linda Tamburello of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Spencerport. “I have never been to the installation of a bishop, and probably won’t again.” Jeff and Kim Kelly had an extra reason to enjoy the installation Mass. Their son, Father Aaron Kelly, has been appointed priest secretary to Bishop Bonnici and played a key role in the liturgy. It was an honor to witness their son, who was ordained in 2022, living out his vocation, they said. “He’s always known he wanted to be a priest. We’ve just watched him as he’s said yes to whatever path God has chosen. We’re just sitting back and watching that path continue,” Kim Kelly said. Tags: Bishop Installation, Bishop John S. Bonnici, Bishop Salvatore R. Matano