Newly-installed Bishop James F. Checchio held positions in Camden and Rome before being appointed by Pope Francis.
SOUTH PLAINFIELD -- Bishop James F. Checchio expressed his optimism about being called to lead the vast Diocese of Metuchen, and said he hoped everyone had confidence in his ability to do the job, as he was ordained and installed as the fifth Bishop of Metuchen Tuesday.
At the Church of the Sacred Heart, a glow from the overcast sky peered through the church's stained glass, as a crowd of about 1,200 welcomed the new bishop.
During a 2 p.m. Mass Checchio, spoke to the crowd that filled the church pews to capacity.
"It's good to be back here in New Jersey," said Checchio, who most recently spent 12 years serving in Rome before being named bishop by Pope Francis in March.
"Joy is certainly abundant here today," he added, serenely.
But during the Mass he said, "We have a little work to do, (but) is this not what our Holy Father is calling us to do?"
Though it rained most of the day, Checchio showed only signs of joy and enthusiasm for his new role. During the Episcopal blessing, he walked through the church with a beaming smile.
He had arrived at the church at around 1 p.m. to the large crowd -- which included cardinals, bishops, priests, and other religious representatives.
There were 90 parishes of the diocese represented at the ordination and installation.
The homilist during the Mass compared Checchio to St. Philip. Tuesday was the Feast of St. Philip and St. James.
"The Lord has blessed you with a new shepherd," said Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis Bernard A. Hebda, during the service.
Checchio said after the Mass that the first thing he planned to do the following day was to go to Mass with his family.
Checchio is succeeding Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski, who had led the diocese since 2002 before submitting his resignation last year after turning 75, the mandatory age of retirement. However, Bootkoski will continue to oversee the diocese.
Born in Camden in 1966, he was ordained as a priest in 1992, the Vatican said. He has a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas in Rome. He held several positions in Camden, including parish vicar and diocesan spokesman, before moving to the Pontifical North American College in Rome, where he was the rector.
There are approximately 640,000 Roman Catholics in the diocese which covers Middlesex, Somerset, Warren and Hunterdon counties.
Staff photographer Ed Murray contributed to this report.
Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.