MONTEREY – The official installation of the Most Rev. Ramon Bejarano as the sixth Bishop of Monterey in California is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 19 February 2026. The Mass will be celebrated at the Embassy Suites in Sand City at 12pm. Attendance is “by invitation only”. The liturgy will be live-streamed on the website of the Diocese of Monterey in California.
In the Latin (Roman) Rite of the Catholic Church, the installation—also known as the bishop’s canonical possession of the diocese—is the solemn liturgical act by which a newly appointed bishop formally assumes pastoral governance of the local Church entrusted to him by the Holy Father. The rite ordinarily takes place within the celebration of Mass, most often in the diocesan cathedral, though another venue may be chosen for pastoral or practical reasons.
Several key elements traditionally mark the Mass of Installation. Upon arrival, the bishop is formally received at the cathedral door by clergy and representatives of the diocesan faithful. During the liturgy, the Apostolic Letter from the Pope—sometimes referred to as the papal mandate—is proclaimed publicly, confirming the bishop’s appointment and authority. The rite culminates when the bishop is led to the cathedra, the bishop’s chair, and takes his seat. This act symbolizes his role as chief shepherd, teacher, and priest of the diocese.
The Installation Mass formally concludes the period known as sede vacante, during which the diocesan see has been vacant, and marks the beginning of the new bishop’s exercise of episcopal ministry. The liturgy highlights the bishop’s communion with the Pope and the College of Bishops, as well as his pastoral relationship with the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the diocese, whom he is called to serve in fidelity to the Gospel.
In the days leading up to the installation, several traditional liturgical and pastoral observances may also take place to prepare both the bishop-elect and the faithful for the beginning of his ministry. While not required in every diocese, these observances are commonly held and serve as a prayerful prelude to the Installation Mass.
One of the most customary of these is the celebration of Evening Prayer (Vespers) with the clergy of the diocese, often held on the evening prior to the installation. This liturgy provides an opportunity for priests, deacons, religious, and seminarians to gather in prayer with the bishop-elect before he formally assumes pastoral governance.
In addition, canon law requires that the bishop-elect make a Profession of Faith and an Oath of Fidelity to the Holy See. These acts, which affirm communion with the Pope and the universal Church, may take place privately or immediately prior to the Installation Mass.
Together, these observances serve as a spiritual and pastoral preparation for the diocese, culminating in the Mass of Installation, during which the new bishop officially takes possession of the diocese entrusted to his care.