About 2,000 people attended a ceremony at Franciscan University of Steubenville to install and ordain new bishop for the Diocese of Steubenville.

Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton, of Michigan, was selected in July to lead nearly 40,000 Roman Catholics in the Diocese of Steubenville. The diocese has been without a bishop for about a year.

Monforton, who was a monsignor until today, was previously pastor of the Saint Andrew Parish in Rochester, Mich., and is originally from Detroit. Monforton told NEWS9 he came to Steubenville last week and is looking forward to serving people here.

"It's an overused expression but I'm going to hit the ground running. And I'm looking forward to working with my immediate staff but also my priests and all those who serve the church," Monforton said.

After the ceremony wrapped up, people said it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"It's just really exciting because I've never been to anything like this in my entire life and so it makes me real happy inside," said attendee Clare Puorro.

Ellen Puorro, who was also in attendance, said, "It's such a gift. I've never been to the ordination of a bishop, and we've waited quite a while -- more than a year -- for a new bishop to be assigned, so it's very exciting."

Members of the diocese walked in a procession to start the ceremony and nearby, students at Franciscan watched after playing a major part in organizing the ceremony. They said the anticipation has been great since Monforton was appointed July 3.

"Mainly just the atmosphere and the change, everyone was waking up everywhere this morning, knowing that today was the day. I mean, we've been counting down to it since we got to school two weeks ago," said student Matthew Mislin.

Monday morning at the university's Finnegan Fieldhouse, workers set up equipment, lined up chairs and fixed decorations as well as rehearsed. Franciscan students also played a big role in helping get ready for the ceremony and from the liturgy to seating arrangements, organizers said there were still last-minute touches.


"Pulling out the mats, getting the measurements just right. The flowers arrived this morning, putting carpet on the stage. Different set ups around campus, just making sure that it's accommodating and it's a homey place where people are really welcome," said Naomi Moore, logistics coordinator.


Liturgy coordinator Rob Pallidino said, "I really want everything to go smoothly, I want it to go according to plan, and as we all know things usually don't. But we're prepared and we're ready for any eventuality."

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