MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Bluff City’s new bishop is officially on his post.
The Catholic Church welcomed Bishop Martin David Holley in a special installation mass at the Cook Convention Center.
Hundreds of parishioners of all ages came together in song and prayer to welcome Holley to his new role.
Holley is the fifth bishop of Memphis.
He was born in Florida and worked there for some of his career. Back in August, the Pope announced Holley would be coming to the Mid-South.
He has served on several committees for cultural diversity and communications as well as subcommittees for African-American Catholics.
Those who attended Wednesday were excited to be part of a historic event.
“It’s so important because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m 28 years old, and this is the first time I’ve been able to see it, and there’s no telling when my daughter will be able to see it either, so it was very important for us to come and see this grand occasion,” said Sara Westrich from Cordova.
Holley grew up in a family of 14 children and said he knew he was called to be a faith leader at a young age.
His motto is “God’s mercy endures forever.”
Holley succeeds Bishop J. Steib, SVD, who serviced from 1993-2016.