New Archbishop Leads Easter Mass At Basilica

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A day celebrated internationally as a new beginning was just that in the Twin Cities. The Twin Cities Archdiocese has named a new leader, and on Sunday he delivered Easter Mass.

It was standing room only, and barely any of that at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. Father Bernard Hebda gave the homily.

Just days ago, he was named as the next archbishop of the Twin Cities Archdiocese. The former archbishop John Nienstedt resigned after allegations he failed to protect sex abuse victims.

Sunday morning, it seemed Hebda's new appointment was timely.

On a day inspired by new life, a new leader took to the altar.  He started with a story about a monastery he once visited.

"I was greeted with the words, 'Welcome, you filthy sinner,'" said Hebda.

Mary Claire Baldus drove up from Rochester for the service.

"It was wonderful, he's got humor and he's very down to earth," she said.

The selfie-loving priest who's been overseeing New Jersey parishes may seem edgier than most. But after scandals and more scandals, different is what the Twin Cities crowd seems to be craving.

Ellie Baldus also drove up from Rochester.

"I thought it was very good. We need that right now," she said.

Sean Campbell and his family are parishioners from Watertown.

"I'm so thankful we have great, new leadership. He's a real inspiration for this entire church, for our local church and for the bigger church as well," said Campbell.

The pope appointed Hebda with the tall order this week in a move that surprised even him.

"I would have brought a better suit, and made sure that I had a haircut," Hebda joked earlier this week.

Luckily a new hat comes with the new job.

Christopher Chelladurai of Minneapolis was confirmed as Catholic this weekend.

"It was a wonderful homily and my first time meeting him, first time for most people, so it was amazing," said Chelladurai.

In his homily, Father Hebda said, "We celebrate the fact that he gives us a second chance, a third chance, a fourth chance."  And that may be just what his church needs.

Hebda's appointment was a surprise, because he was expected to be named the permanent archbishop in New Jersey.

Things still aren't official yet -- his installation as the permanent archbishop will come at a mass in St. Paul on May 13.