The reading of the papal bull yesterday confirmed the appointment of Monsignor André Marceau as the bishop of Nice after a long ceremony that was simultaneously liturgical, formal, and popular.
It took place in the presence of civil authorities (The prefect Adolf Colrat, various elected officials including Eric Ciotti, Christian Estrosi, Alain Guibal, Rudy Salles, numerous departmental, metropolitan, municipal councillors, and several mayors), religious figures (The apostolic nuncio Monsignor Luigi Ventura and the Archbishop of Marseille and president of the French Episcopal Conference, Monsignor Georges Pontier, the apostolic administrator of the diocese up until this day and metropolitan bishop of Montpellier, Monsignor Guy Thomazeau, more than ten bishops from neighboring dioceses (Monaco, Ventimiglia, Aix, Avignon, Fréjus-Toulon, Digne, Gap and others) or friends of the prelate, the entire diocesan priesthood, and especially, a few thousand faithful!
Originally from Bordeaux, Monsignor Marceau, ten years ago during his episcopal consecration, had already left the Atlantic shores for those of the Mediterranean. This time, he will move from one border territory to another, both known for their strong identity. He leaves the Catalans to meet the people of Nice and the Azureans.
A man of dialogue, with an open mind, the new pastor identifies himself as a “walker of the Gospel”, following in the footsteps of Pope Francis, who calls for a “Church going out”, capable of bringing its message to the heart of realities, in search of a dynamic and living conversion of people.
Moreover, Monsignor Marceau does not hide the difficulties, speaking of “small or large tasks but diverse tasks”, but calls for “boldness, conviction, courage, and perseverance” to convey the spiritual message.
His motto: “Servant and Witness” gives full significance to a magisterium that has already challenged the faithful to a deeper communion with their Catholic Church.
A special appeal was made to Christian churches and other denominations, whose representatives were present in the room, to keep interreligious dialogue always alive, fruitful, and respectful of everyone’s beliefs.
