Episcopal Ordination
Learn more about this significant occasion where Msgr. Albert Bahhuth, Father Matthew Elshoff, OFM. Cap., Father Brian Nunes and Father Slawomir Szkredka, will become auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
What is a Co-Consecrator
A beautiful reminder that we are one body and, no matter how widespread our Church becomes, united in one holy, catholic, and apostolic faith.
What is a co-consecrator?
The role of a co-consecrator is exactly what the name implies; they are bishops who stand alongside the main ordaining bishop, which in this case will be our own Archbishop Gomez, and jointly confer the sacrament of Holy Orders upon the bishop-elects.
Why do we have co-consecrators?
Although one bishop is sufficient for the validity of the sacrament, the Holy See very rarely grants a dispensation, and this is done only in extraordinary cases such as during persecutions or in missionary contexts. In fact, current canon law requires at least three bishops to be present. The ordaining bishop of a diocese is always accompanied by two co-consecrators.
There are multiple reasons for upholding this practice of having co-consecrators. First, it assures apostolic succession and emphasizes that the bishop is not ordained in isolation. This communal act of ordination represents the unity of the Church and symbolizes the shared responsibility of shepherding the faithful. It’s a beautiful reminder that we are one body and, no matter how widespread our Church becomes, united in one holy, catholic, and apostolic faith.
