BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (OSV News) — In a deeply emotional ceremony, Father Gregg M. Caggianelli was ordained as an auxiliary bishop to serve the U.S. armed forces, bringing tears of joy to his mother, Barbara Caggianelli, who expressed her gratitude to God for this significant milestone.
For over three decades, Father Caggianelli has dedicated his life to the military, serving as a chaplain and active reservist in the U.S. Air Force, eventually attaining the rank of colonel.
On May 9, he became the first U.S. bishop ordained following the election of Pope Leo XIV on May 8, in a ceremony led by Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services. The event took place at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, where Bishop Caggianelli has long served as a priest, professor, and administrator.
“I’ve been in the military longer than I’ve been in the seminary so it’s my two worlds colliding,” Bishop Caggianelli remarked post-ordination.
In his capacity as a professor of homiletics and dean of formation at the seminary, he developed a profound care for the well-being of priests, particularly military chaplains who often find themselves isolated and alone.
As he steps into his new role as bishop, he emphasized the importance of nurturing love among priests and their congregations.
Reflecting on his responsibilities, he connected the parable of the Good Shepherd to his mission as a bishop, stating, “Whenever we are given a new challenge, a new responsibility, new opportunity, it is Jesus calling us to go deeper, really calling all of us to go into deeper waters to trust him more, to follow him, and to proclaim that he is risen from the dead.”
Bishop Caggianelli expressed a deep admiration for service members, stating, “I love them very much. I’m inspired by their service and their dedication.”
During the ordination, Archbishop Broglio addressed the divided secular world we live in, where questions surrounding life after death, judgment, and even the existence of God often arise.
He urged Bishop Caggianelli to heed the words of Pope Leo XIV, emphasizing the importance of unity and mission, stating, “Those must remain special watchwords to you.”
The archbishop reminded the new bishop that the symbols of the episcopal office—such as the ring, mitre, and crozier—while significant, should always direct attention back to Jesus Christ.
“These symbols draw attention during events and Mass, but should not draw attention away from Jesus Christ, who is always the center of our attention and the object of our life pilgrimage,” Archbishop Broglio said.
He highlighted the challenges ahead for Bishop Caggianelli, who is now one of five auxiliary bishops serving under Archbishop Broglio. Together, they are tasked with reaching approximately 1.8 million Catholics in the military, civilians working overseas, and those receiving care in VA medical centers.
The mission requires extensive travel and community engagement, along with clarifying misunderstandings that may exist within various congregations.
The archbishop posed a special challenge to Bishop Caggianelli, urging him to rekindle the faith of service members who may have drifted away from their spiritual roots.
“Be a father to them and draw them back into the life of grace,” he advised.
Bishop Caggianelli, who originally entered the priesthood within the Diocese of Venice, was co-consecrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Bishop David L. Toups of Beaumont, Texas, who also served as the former rector of the Boynton Beach seminary.
Among those who laid hands upon the new bishop during the ordination were fellow bishops from the military archdiocese and Florida dioceses. Notable attendees included Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami, Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito of Palm Beach, Bishop William A. Wack of Pensacola-Tallahassee, retired Bishop Felipe J. Estevez of St. Augustine, and Auxiliary Bishop Enrique Delgado of Miami.
Bishop Wack described Bishop Caggianelli as a hardworking, down-to-earth, and joyful person, saying, “Bishop Gregg, welcome to the episcopal brotherhood.”
Sitting next to Bishop Caggianelli at the altar were Father Alfredo I. Hernández, the rector, and Msgr. Robert R. Cannon, a retired chaplain of the U.S. Air Force and a fellow priest of the Diocese of Venice, who played a significant role in encouraging Caggianelli’s priestly vocation.
Msgr. Cannon, who has been a close friend of the new bishop for many years, highlighted Caggianelli’s personality and work ethic, stating, “He’s very funny and has a great sense of humor. He works hard, he loves Jesus, he’s smart. He loves people. He will be a fine bishop.”
Following the completion of the semester at the seminary, Bishop Caggianelli will continue to work locally while taking on his duties for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, headquartered in Washington D.C. His new role involves serving military installations throughout Florida.
This touching story was originally published by Florida Catholic Media and shared through a partnership with OSV News. Jean Gonzalez serves as the projects editor for Florida Catholic Media.
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