A Weekend of Celebration and Gratitude

On Saturday, September 6 at 4 p.m., St. Joseph Co-Cathedral hosted the first Mass of Thanksgiving for Bishop Simon Peter. This was the first Mass celebrated by our new Bishop, and he took his place in the cathedra (bishop’s chair), adorned with his coat of arms. This was the same chair he sat in for the fi st time at the ordination and installation!

This Mass featured a Ugandan choir from all around the United States, bringing vibrant rhythms, lively beats and heartfelt praise! Drums and traditional Ugandan instruments were used by this music ministry to create unique sounds and melodies. The women in the choir wore white dresses with black embroidery, while men in the choir wore formal black suits.

The Church was at capacity, seating nearly 700 people. During the entrance hymn, the congregation clapped to the beat, and the crowd erupted in joy upon the entrance of Bishop Simon Peter. You could also hear traditional Ugandan ululations—a high, jubilant cry made by women in African cultures to celebrate sacred and joyful occasions.

In his homily, Bishop Simon Peter reflected on apostolic succession and his role as a shepherd. “I am only an instrument. God is the ultimate shepherd,” he said. “It will not be easy, but He will be with me.” He continued, “The greatest tragedy is not to be a saint, and not to get to heaven. As a successor of the apostles, it is my mission to get you to heaven. Now more than ever, I rely on your prayers.”

The Profession of Faith was sung by the choir. In the prayers of the faithful, Bishop Simon Peter prayed for the repose of the soul of his father Clement and his brother Joseph.

The offertory hymn featured a graceful and simple Ugandan dance as the gifts of bread and wine were brought up to be received by Bishop Simon Peter. Our Bishop raised his hands during the Liturgy of the Eucharist as he sang, “We sing with the angels; Hosanna in the highest!”

At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop had a special surprise for his mother.

During his ordination, one of the most powerful moments was the anointing of his head with sacred chrism. This anointing symbolized the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, consecrating him to sanctify, teach, and govern in Christ’s name. The fragrance of the chrism represented the sweetness of Christ’s presence and the call to holiness.

“By cherished custom, this linen is presented to the bishop’s mother—a gesture of honor and gratitude, recognizing her role in giving life, nurturing faith, and guiding her son toward his vocation.”

“The cloth becomes for her a treasured sign of both her maternal sacrifice and her share in the mystery of her son’s priestly and episcopal consecration,” he continued. “Tradition holds that, at her death, it may be placed in her hands as a symbol of her offering to God as a mother who has given her son to the service of Christ and His Church. Today, I joyfully offer this gift to my mother, who fi st gave me the gift of life.”

His mother and family stood with joy as Very Rev. Vic DeLa Cruz, Pastor of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, presented her with the linen cloth. This was followed by a long, loving embrace between Bishop and his mother. Many were teary-eyed witnessing this beautiful moment of family and faith.

A reception was held at The Oaks Venue, where the community gathered to celebrate. Bishop Simon Peter greeted guests, offering his thanks and gratitude.

The final celebration of the week was a special Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. This was Bishop Simon Peter’s fi st Mass in the Cathedral of the diocese, and his fi st time sitting in the primary cathedra (the bishop’s chair).

The Ugandan choir once again blessed us with their music ministry, highlighting Ugandan cultural practices and jubilant song. The choir was dressed in traditional attire called Kitenge, a little less formal than what they wore during the Ordination Mass on Friday.

Bishop Simon Peter blessed the children going to children’s liturgy, reminding them how much God loves them. During the Gospel Acclamation, the Book of Gospels was processed up in basket, signifying that the Word of God is the food that will nourish us.

In the homily, Bishop Simon Peter shared remarks of joy, gratitude and thanksgiving. “I have the privilege to be the sixth to sit in the cathedra chair in this cathedral,” he reflected. “This is the home of my ministry and one day, my final resting place will be with that ministry.”

After the intercessory prayers, in which Bishop Simon Peter petitioned for the repose of the soul of his father Clement and brother Joseph, family and friends participated in a special offertory procession: a simple dance with the presentation of baskets of food and goods, along with the bread and wine for consecration.

At the end of the liturgy, Bishop Simon Peter thanked everyone for coming out in large numbers throughout the week.

A reception was held in the KC Hall where Bishop Simon Peter and his family mingled with parishioners.