A German style welcome for Bishop Nienstedt

Gemutlichkeit and gesundheit - the New Ulm civic community toasts the new bishop!

New Ulm - During two days of celebrations, Father Anthony Stubeda, coordinator of the Diocesan Installation Ceremonies, welcomed thousands of people to the most rural diocese of Minnesota. Although the heat index reached 100 degrees it did not spoil the intensity of the celebrations, beginning with the Community Open House, Sunday, August 5. The event was organized by a committee of leaders from New Ulm and was held at the historic Turner Hall, the seat of New Ulm German culture. And what a welcome it was!

The Mayor of New Ulm, Arnold Koelpin, declared August 5, Bishop Nienstedt Day and the celebrations began! Community leaders of numerous organizations made presentations, the Concord Singers, New Ulm’s "Ambassadors of Good Will" toasted to the good spirit and good health of the new bishop,

welcoming him with festive German music and spirited dancing led by the Heritagefest

Narren.

Rising to the podium, Bishop gratefully acknowledged the hearty introductions with a simple "Wow!" The program was led by Bill O’Connor who took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Holy Father for sending an Irish bishop to lead New Ulm. He jokingly declared that Bishop Nienstedt was now one of six Irish citizens in the community. The open house was only the beginning of a whirl wind list of activities welcoming Bishop to the diocese.

Father Stubeda, coordinator of events, reminded visitors that we are the "people of God in these fifteen counties of southcentral Minnesota, and that during these special events we celebrate the calling of Bishop Nienstedt as our shepherd, a sign of God’s concern to lead this people in this place called the Diocese of New Ulm." The community of New Ulm came out to welcome the new bishop and demonstrate their great pride in "this place."