The Consecration of Victor-David Mbuyi Bipungu opened with the hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King” with text from St Francis of Assisi, as the ceremony took place during the Feast of St Francis. The several hundred people gathered were then welcomed by the Most Reverend David Edwards, Archbishop of Fredericton and Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Canada.
What followed was a moving and historic service as the 13th Bishop of Montreal was consecrated; Victor-David being the first black and Francophone bishop of the Diocese.
Following the presentation, and signing of official documents, the Archbishop asked the gathered: “Is it your will that we ordain Victor-David a bishop?”
The people responded “It is.” He continued, “Will you uphold him in this ministry?” They answered, “We will”.
There followed readings read by Victor-David’s daughter, Davidine Loane Mbuyi and then- Church Advocate (now Chancellor), James Woods.
Next the Rev Dr Nathaniel St-Pierre, Priest of the Diocese of New York and Former incumbent of l’Église de la Nativité preached a rousing, passionate and -at times- humorous sermon that elicited joyful responses from those gathered. The personal relationship between the two men was evident as Rev St-Pierre made several references to Victor-David’s family, but, most of all, he emphasized that the Bishop is never alone, “When the hands are laid today, it is not just the weight of tradition that falls, it is the presence of Jesus that will rest upon you.”
Following the sermon, the archbishop addressed Victor-David directly to read the Covenant of the Bishop’s office, asking the future bishop “Do you believe that you are truly called by God and the Church to the life and work of a bishop?” He responded, “I believe I am so called.”
The provincial bishops then asked their own questions regarding Victor-David’s intention, to which the future bishop answered appropriately.
During the Litany, everyone stood with the exception of Victor-David, who prostrated before the altar.
Following the Litany, a period of silent prayer followed the singing of the Veni Creator Spiritus. The archbishop and assisting bishops then lifted up their hands as the archbishop read the Prayer of Consecration. Then the archbishop and other bishops laid their hands on the head of the bishop-elect, while the archbishop prayed for Victor-David. Finally, everyone exclaimed together, “Amen! Point us to Christ, the living Way, feed us with Christ, the bread of life, and unite us in Christ rejoicing!”
The laying on of hands on a bishop is a sacred and solemn ritual during their ordination, which signifies the passing of the Holy Spirit and the authority of apostolic succession. This action, called a consecration, is a form of laying on of hands that confers the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders.
The assisting bishops then vested the new bishop according to the order of bishops.
Bishop’s vestments are highly personal and are chosen with care to reflect the episcopacy of the person wearing it.
Bishop Victor-David’s vestments depict the following symbols:
The Jerusalem Cross
It was in Jerusalem during his 2012 pilgrimage that Victor-David made the decision to join the Anglican Church. The Jerusalem Cross comprises a large cross and four smaller crosses. While the large cross symbolizes Jesus himself, the meaning of the four small crosses a matter of debate. What is not debated is that they are all about a facet of Jesus Christ.
The Baobab Tree
This symbol reflects the bishop’s African heritage, wherein the baobab tree is a powerful symbol of life, resilience, and wisdom. It’s often referred to as the “Tree of Life” due to its longevity, ability to store water, and the vital resources it provides for both humans and wildlife. The baobab is also associated with spirituality and is often seen as a link between the earthly and spiritual realms.
The blue fleur-de-lis
An expression of the bishop’s connection with French-speaking Quebec, the fleur-de-lis signifies Quebec and French Canadians’ cultural and historical ties to France.
Victor-David was presented with a Bible and pastoral staff, and the Metropolitan presented the new bishop to the community saying, “I present Victor-David, bishop in the Church of God.”
The applause was resounding.
The Seating, Sunday, October 5th
The Seating of the 13th Bishop of Montreal began with Bishop Mary laying her crozier on the high altar, a visible sign of the conclusion of her role as Diocesan Bishop.
Using his newly-acquired crozier, Victor-David then knocked three times on the door and when the warden opened the door, the people stood. The Dean, the Very Rev Bertrand Olivier, exclaimed, “My sisters and brothers, siblings in Christ, our bishop has arrived. Let the doors be opened and let us rise to greet him.” Therein followed an exchange between the dean and the new Bishop, as Victor-David promised to be a “faithful pastor and servant among you”.
The Executive Archdeacon then welcomed him as did all in attendance, “We welcome you in the name of Christ!”
After the chancellor read the certificates of election and ordination, the Executive Archdeacon picked up the diocesan crozier and passed it to the former bishop who then gave it to the new bishop who is escorted to the chair. The people say “Victor-David, we, the people of this diocese, receive you as our bishop. Be seated among us as our pastor and leader. May the Lord stir up in you the flame of holy charity, and the power of faith that renews the world. Amen.”
The bishop was then seated.
Following the communion service members of the Choir of l’Église de la Nativité, sang hymns in Creole, French and English while the congregation was treated to a lovely liturgical dance by Lorice Ann Mathurin. A reception followed in Fulford Hall where the new bishop celebrated with friends, family, past congregants and new co-workers. The speeches were light-hearted and the mood celebratory.
Yes, it was a full, joyous, momentous and exhausting weekend. And now, as Victor-David begins his service as bishop, let us all unite behind him in spirit and in practice to lighten the weight of the mitre. In the words of Rev Dr Nathaniel St-Pierre,“Take the yoke, bishop of God. We will pray with you. Take the staff servant of Christ, we will walk with you. Take your seat, teacher of the faith. We will learn with you.”
