Hundreds of people packed St Paul Cathedral Monday and another 1,500 viewed a live stream, as Mark Eckman was officially installed as the 13th Bishop of Pittsburgh.
Eckman accepted his appointment, and said there are three things he needs from his flock.
First, their prayers for him in his new role.
Second, to be patient with him as he adjusts to it.
And the third was prayers for vocations or a call from God on how people lead their lives.
He plans to visit each of the 60 parishes within the Diocese but added it will take him well into 2026 to complete that task.
Bishop Eckman joked that he’s the one that will have to answer the difficult questions now that former Bishop David Zubik is retired.
“As an auxiliary (bishop), if I didn’t know a question or I didn’t want to answer a question or I knew it was too tough to deal with, I would just say, ‘oh, we’re going to have to go see Bishop Zubik’ and I’d pass it right up to him,” said Eckman.
Zubik welcomed his predecessor...telling him he's inheriting a flock that will work with him passionately, faithfully and loyally.
Watch a replay of the installation mass here.