The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-03-28
CONSERVATION
RITE HELD FOR
BISHOP RITTER
Awe Inspiring Ceremony at
City Cathedral Marks
Rise of Priest.
HUNDREDS SEE SERVICE
Post Is Likened to That of
ChriSt'S Apostle in
Sermon.

Before an imposing array of
Catholic church dignitarieS, and
with all the pomp and liturgy of the
beautiful conservation ceremony, the
Most Rev. Joseph Elmer Ritter to-
day was consecrated Bishop of Hip
pus and auxiliary bishop of the In
dianapolis diocese of the Catholic
church.
The ceremony, at SIS. Peter and
Paul Cathedral, started at a. m.
and lasted three hours.
The Most Rev. Joseph Chartrand
bishop of the diocese, was the con-
secrating bishop, assisted by the
Most Rev. Emmanuel B. Ledvina,
bishop of Corpus Christi, Tex, and
the Most Rev. Alphonse j. Smith,
bishop of Nashville, Tenn.
Several hundred members of the
Catholic clergy were present, in
Guiding large number of bishops
from all sections of the country.
The cathedral was filled, except for
pews reserved for the clergy and
nuns, long before the appointed
hour, with several hundred standing
outside.
Priests Precede Bishops
The service was opened by the
professional led by an escort of
honor, composed of fourth degree
knights of Columbus.
Following were more than $50
priests in veStmentS, preceding the
monsignor and the bishops in their
cardinal robes. Each bishop was
escorted by two priests.
Next in line were Archbishop
Philip Bernardini, recently APP
pointed apostolic delegate to Aus
tralia, and Archbishop Francis j. L.
Beckman, Dubuque, Ia.
Bishop Ritter, with his two assist
ants, the Most Rev. Emmanuel B.
Ledvina, Corpus Christi, Tex, and
the Most Rev. Alphonse j. Smith,
Nashville. Tenn, were followed by
Bishop Chartrand and two priests
serving as chaplains.
Divided in Three Parts
The conservation ceremony was
divided into three parts, the pre-
iminary examination, the consecra-
ton proper, and the investiture.
The examination ceremony in
Guided the form of ascertaining
that the bishop elect has the right
to episcopal conservation, of receiv-
ing his oath of submission and of
inquiring into the orthodoxy of his
faith.
Singing of the mass followed,
sung simultaneously by the conse-
orator and the bishop-elect, signify
ing the unity of their faith.
The conservation ceremony, with
its liturgy over, Bishop Ritter was
invested with the crosier and ring,
and the mass proceeded with Bish-
ops Chartrand and Ritter celebrat-
ing in unison at the same altar.
Receives Mitre, Gloves
After the communion, the new
bishop received the mitre and gloves,
which have been blessed by the con-
secrator, and he was enthroned on
the episcopal seat.
Tho To
Ryan, rector of the Catholic Uni
versity of America, Washington,
formerly of indianapolis, delivered
the conservation sermon.
Explaining the duties and powers
of a bishop, Monsignor Ryan
described bishops as successors of
Christ's twelve Apostles.
1T is the bishop who exercises full
authority, in preaching, in admins
tration of the sacraments, in the
government of the church." he said.
Under the leadership and
guidance of the first bishop, Peter.
and his successors in the See of
Rome, the Catholic hierarchy, CEN
fury after century, has defended,
fought for, and even died for the
faith handed on to them by their
predecessors.
Keep Moral Level High
I'm countless other ways have the
bishops led the church to triumph
after triumph. They have stood
firm for ecclesiastical discipline, de-
spite the terrific onslaughts often
made upon it; they have, by word
and example, kept high the moral
level of the nations; they have been
the champion of the n-trodde~
and oppressed in every period of
medieval and modern history.
1T was the bishops of the church.
too, who established the first schools,
generally attached to their palaces,
who gave the charters and money
to found the great universities of
Europe, almost without exception.
To them, more than to any other
group. is due the spread of knowl-
edge and culture, respect for democ-
racy, acceptance of and regard for
the rights of the individual man.
the high position of woman, the
sanctity of family life"
Advance Is Rapid
Bishop Ritter's advance has been
rapid, having been ordained priest
only sixteen years ago. this cere-
mony also having been presided over
by Bishop Chartrand.
Born in Indiana, he is the son of
Mr.. and Mrs. Nicholas Ritter,
formerly of New Albany, now living
in Louisville. KY, who witnessed the
services today.
He is the only one of five brothers
and sister to take up the religious
life. Bishop Ritter attended the
parochial schools of New Albany
and entered St. Meinrad prepara-