ROCKFORD – For a religion deeply rooted in tradition, Monday’s ordination of Bishop David J. Malloy marked a new beginning for the Catholic Diocese of Rockford and its churches.

Monsignor Malloy, 56, was ordained as the ninth bishop of the diocese.

“The day of the consecration of a new bishop is both for the man himself, as well as the people he will serve, a singular moment; a new beginning,” Malloy wrote in a letter to the diocese.

The Rockford diocese serves about 457,000 Catholics in Whiteside, Lee, Ogle, Carroll, McHenry, Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, DeKalb and Kane counties.

Malloy was installed in solemn ceremony by outgoing Bishop Thomas G. Doran and Archbishop of Chicago Francis Cardinal George, and an assembly of priests, deacons and congregants from throughout the diocese.

“Through the eyes of faith we can see the intention of Christ to continue His work through the ages, from the Jerusalem of yesterday to the Rockford of today,” Malloy said.

Malloy was chosen by Pope Benedict XVI in March after the pontiff accepted the resignation of Doran, who is of retirement age.

As the spicy aroma of incense filled the auditorium and a large chorus sang hymns, Bishop Malloy promised to lead the flock of faithful, proclaiming “I do” in a deep, boisterous voice as George questioned him about his willingness and resolve to become a bishop.

Eleven Newman Central Catholic High School students helped usher and get people through the communion line. The group was selected by faculty.

Other Newman students sang in the choir.

“It was amazing seeing how many priests and different people come together and get together for an event like this,” said sophomore Warren Melton, 15, of Rock Falls.

“We’re the next generation,” Melton said. “Ordinations happened twice in the past 60 years. It’s a good idea to get some young people into it.”

Senior Matt Oswalt, 18, of Dixon, also helped usher.

“For a lot of people, that’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Oswalt said. “It was really neat to be a part of it and just be able to experience it.”

Sophomore John Payan, 16, of Sterling, said he enjoyed seeing young people participate and help during the event.

He, too, was glad to take part in a rare opportunity.

“It only happens once in a while,” he said. “I really wanted to go.”

Monday also was special for Deacon Donald Miller from St. Margaret Mary Parish of Algonquin: It marked his seventh year since becoming a deacon.

He said he was deeply moved by “the Holy Spirit” he felt radiating through the auditorium. “It wasn’t not just words, it was real,” Miller said. “It was very, very moving.”

Adding to the enthusiasm at the BMO Harris Center was the large crowd, on its feet, clapping, cheering and waving as a processional led Malloy through the arena doors.

Miller said he has faith in the bishop selection process and talked of the importance of Malloy’s new role. The bishop is the highest office of ordination.

“You can tell how hungry the people are for a good leader,” Miller said. “The people love being shepherded by someone they can have faith in. And that was evident. As we were processing out, people were cheering for him.”

After Malloy was installed, he celebrated the rest of the Mass, offering his first Communion as bishop. He closed with remarks thanking those who helped him get to his post, even those who came from his St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lake Geneva, Wis., where Malloy served before being named bishop-elect.

Malloy promised to work with parishes as one united body.

“I look forward to getting to know each parish ... in the diocese,” Malloy said during his remarks. “Please pray for me each and every day. I will be praying for you.”

Sauk Valley Media reporter Kiran Sood contributed to this report.

About David J. Malloy

Who is he?: Ninth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford

Born: Feb. 3, 1956, in Milwaukee.

Family: Parents, David and Mary Malloy; siblings Mary Ellen, Daniel, the Rev. Francis, Robert and Richard.

Ordained to the priesthood: July 1, 1983.

Some past positions: Secretary to the Apostolic Nunciature in Pakistan and Syria; Secretary to the Permanent Observer Mission to the Holy See; The Perfecture of the Papal Household; General Secretary, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.