Welcome to Iowa

At his installation Mass today in Des Moines (videosnip/homily), Bishop Richard Pates upstaged Iowa's Catholic lieutenant governor:

[Lt. Gov. Patty] Judge read an introduction with some highlights of Iowa, including the Iowa caucuses. Judge said she and Gov. Chet Culver "welcome your voice in these social and political debates."

"We will work closely with you in the protection of all human rights," the new bishop said. "Particularly the right to life."...

Judge, a Democrat, supports abortion rights. Pates' statement received a standing ovation from the crowd.

After what the wire termed the arena liturgy's lone "discordant note," there was some humor in the intro to Pates' homily:

It is a great consolation to me that I come to the Church of Des Moines as its ninth Bishop. Such lengthy genealogy provides perspective. My predecessor bishops, each in his unique way, has made a difference. Even if I should blow it badly, the Diocese will go on. The 10th, 11th and 12th bishops will just have to work a little harder.

PHOTO: Diocese of Des Moines

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