Archdiocesan Schools to Close October 1 In Prayerful Observance of the Installation of Archbishop O’Brien

The Archdiocese of Baltimore announced today that its schools will be closed on October 1, 2007, when Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien will be installed the 15th Archbishop of Baltimore at a Mass of Installation at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen.

Students will be encouraged to pray for the new leader of over 500,000 Catholics in the Archdiocese, and to watch the Mass, which is scheduled to be shown in its entirety on the cable television network EWTN. Several local media outlets will also be airing all or parts of the Mass live on their stations and web sites.

“Recognizing the significant and momentous occasion that will take place on October 1st, all 86 Catholic schools of the Archdiocese will be closed in joyful recognition of the installation of Archbishop O’Brien,” Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese, Dr. Ronald J. Valenti said. “This is a special day in the life of our historic Church in Baltimore and we encourage our young people to watch the Mass and to offer prayers and thanksgiving for our new Archbishop.”

The last time a new archbishop was installed in Baltimore was 1989—the year before many of our current high school seniors were born. In that year, Bishop William H. Keeler of Harrisburg was installed as the 14th Archbishop of Baltimore.