Ronald Cornelissen was officially ordained on Saturday morning as bishop of the diocese of Groningen-Leeuwarden, the diocese that also includes Drenthe. That happened in the St. Joseph’s Cathedral in the city center of Groningen, reports Omrop Friesland.
The northern diocese has been without a bishop since August last year, after Ron van den Hout moved to Roermond.
Until last July, 60-year-old Cornelissen was still a priest at the Archdiocese of Utrecht. “I almost fell off my chair,” he said after the appointment. “It surprises and overwhelms you. Of course, I had to think about it for a while.”
Cornelissen was appointed as the new bishop by the Pope a few months ago. As of today, he will actually be in office.
During his presentation he said that he is an optimistic person for whom the glass is always half full.
During his ordination, Cornelissen was shaken by other bishops and clergy. He was then anointed and received his bishop’s ring, miter and staff.