Catholic Diocese of Belleville to install new bishop to replace Braxton this summer

The Rev. Michael G. McGovern will be installed as the ninth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Belleville on July 22, the diocese announced Monday.

The ordination liturgy will take place at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Belleville. Attendance will be limited and social-distancing protocols will be followed due to the coronavirus. Officials are exploring broadcasting options so people can watch at home.

McGovern, a parish priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago, will replace Bishop Edward K. Braxton, who is retiring after 15 years in Belleville. The Vatican announced the appointment in early April.

“Pray that Bishop-Elect McGovern continue to strive to be conformed to the image of Christ Himself, and offer a constant witness of faith, hope and love as he helps you to learn your faith, love your faith and live your faith,” Braxton stated Monday.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, will serve as principal consecrator at the installation. Co-consecrators will be Bishop George J. Rassas, auxiliary bishop emeritus of Chicago, and Braxton, who will become bishop emeritus of Belleville.

Archbishop Christophe Pierre, who serves as Pope Francis’ representative in the United States, is expected to participate by reading the papal “bull” (letter) appointing McGovern.

McGovern now serves as pastor of St. Raphael the Archangel Parish in a rural county near the Illinois-Wisconsin border, as well as dean of Deanery 1-A and interim episcopal vicar of Vicariate I. He asked for prayers leading up to his installation.

“I am very grateful to the many people who have contacted me and assured me of their prayers and support,” he stated Monday. “I am eager to arrive in Belleville and begin serving as a shepherd to this local church. Please continue to pray for me.”

Braxton submitted his resignation to the Vatican on June 28, 2019, when he turned 75. Canon law requires that of all Catholic bishops, but it’s up to Pope Francis when or whether to replace, remove or allow them to continue in service.

After McGovern’s appointment last month, state restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic kept him from driving down to Belleville to attend Mass, hold a press conference or meet priests and parishioners, as is customary.

The Belleville diocese serves about 70,000 Catholics in more than 100 parishes across Southern Illinois. McGovern will be its ninth bishop since 1888.

July 22 is when the Catholic church honors St. Mary Magdalene, known as the disciple who first saw the risen Jesus Christ on Easter morning and shared the news of his resurrection with the other apostles and disciples, according to Monday’s statement.

“I am glad that the ordination is taking place on the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene,” McGovern stated. “As I begin my ministry as a bishop, St. Mary Magdalene is a wonderful role model for all of us, both women and men, in joyfully announcing the presence of the Risen Christ in our world.”