Nov. 19--As nuns, priests and other clergy filed into Holy Name Cathedral on Tuesday afternoon before Blase Cupich's installation as archbishop, parishioners who did not have tickets to get inside stood across the street, bundled in the bitter cold.
A large group from the Neocatechumenal Way sang worship songs along to an acoustic guitar and drums, hoping to get a glimpse of Chicago's new archbishop. Group members posted a banner off the street in front of the cathedral that read, "How beautiful are the feet that bring good news."
The leader of the group, Antonio Bruno, 63, said members gathered to welcome the new archbishop.
"We don't know him well," Bruno said. "We hope he will give us a good example to follow and continue to work in the church."
A parishioner from Immaculate Conception Parish said she has high hopes for the new archbishop.
"I hope this bishop supports our group and sees the fruits from it and sees the good things we've done," Roxanna Vasquez said.
Judy Clayson, 77, of the Near North Side, held a steadfast smile while watching for Cupich before the ceremony.
"I have heard so many good things about him," Clayson said. "I think he's exactly what the church needs."
She and Maria Ellis, 51, of the Gold Coast, who stood beside her, knew they would not be able to enter the cathedral but thought they should be there anyway.
"I think it's a really special occasion for the Catholics, and I've been to Catholic schools my entire life, so I think I need to be here," Ellis said.
Iveth Delgado, 29, and her husband brought her two children, 2 and 4, hoping it will be something they can claim in the future.
"They can see him and say, 'I was there,'" Delgado said.
mmrodriguez@tribpub.com
