READ BISHOP GRUSS' REMARKS AT SOLEMN VESPERS
More than 650 people gathered at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw to pray with and meet Bishop Robert Gruss for the first time.
Bishop Gruss knocked on the outside of the Cathedral door and was officially received at his Cathedral by Father Bill Rutkowski, rector. This is a rare event which happens only when there is a new bishop. The last time this happened in Saginaw was 10 years ago.
The music chosen for Vespers, or Evening Prayer, represented the vast treasury of music of the Catholic Church. Musicians from all across the diocese have been practicing and preparing for weeks.
As a reminder that our lives are illuminated by Jesus Christ the Light of the World, each person received a candle lit by a flame taken from the Paschal Candle.
The evening concluded with the Salve Regina in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom we honor as patroness of the Diocese of Saginaw under the title of Our Lady of the Assumption.
Vespers is a regular part of the Liturgy of the Hours, which is the daily prayer of the Church.
A video of Vespers is available below.