During the ceremony, Vono thanked the diocese for engaging the hard work of reconciliation and vowed to continue that work, along with reconnecting with the wider church, Goodman said.<\/p>\n
“It’s been such a great time of celebration,” [Mark] Goodman said of the series of events, which began Oct. 21 with the diocese’s 58th annual convention and culminated with Vono’s Oct. 22 ordination and consecration at the Hilton Hotel in Albuquerque.<\/p>\n
“The diocese has done some very good, very hard work of reconciliation and now to have the bishop come alongside us and continue to lead us in that direction is a great joy. The expression of joy was bubbling over. We want to let everyone know we’re heading in new and wonderful directions,” Goodman said.<\/p>\n
Vono, 61, was ordained and consecrated before a congregation of more than 1,200 local, interfaith, ecumenical and international guests.<\/p>\n