Wednesday, December 1, 2010--a red-letter day in the history of the Archdiocese of Seattle as we install the Most Reverend J. Peter Sartain as the 9th bishop, 5th archbishop of Seattle.  The weather turned out to be perfect for the outdoor procession.  Here, the cardinals and bishops gather on the rectory front steps before Mass begins.  Click here to read Archbishop Sartain's homily for this historic day.


Well over two hundred priests, from our own Archdiocese as well as Memphis, Little Rock, and Joliet, join the procession.  Knights of Columbus, Order of St. Peter Claver, Order of Malta, and Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre, form an honor guard.


The Very Reverend Michael McDermott, chair of the college of consultors (priest advisors to the Archbishop) shows the Apostolic Mandate--the letter of appointment from Pope Benedict XVI--to the priests and people.


Archbishop Sartain receives the crosier and is seated in the cathedra for the first time.




Sister Marian Sartain, OP, one of Archbishop Sartain's four sisters, reads from the Book of Wisdom.




Exchanging the sign of peace with Archbishop Brunett.


Cardinal George offers his congratulations at the conclusion of Mass.


Drummers from the Lummi nation sing a blessing song as they lead Archbishop Sartain from the Cathedral.




At the reception following the Mass (in a wonderfully transformed O'Dea Gymnasium) hundreds line up to greet and welcome our new Archbishop.