Georgetown, GINA, December 30, 2004

The new Bishop heading the Archdiocese of Georgetown, Catholic Bishop Francis Dean Alleyne, was today ordained to the Episcopate at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Brickdam.
President Bharrat Jagdeo attended the ceremony.
An examination of the candidate, an age-old custom of the Fathers decrees that a Bishop-elect is to be questioned before the people on his resolve to uphold the faith and to discharge his duties faithfully, was conducted.
After offering several prayers, including the prayer of consecration, and the laying of hands the Book of Gospel was placed on the new Bishop’s head.
He was also anointed and given the Book, then came the investiture with ring, mitre and pastoral staff.
Following this, Bishop Alleyene occupied the Bishop’s chair and began the greeting of peace.
Communion was offered and the Bishop addressed the congregation.
Also in attendance at the historic ceremony were Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran, Mrs. Yvonne Hinds wife of the Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Judiciary Desiree Bernard, Members of the Diplomatic Community and Members of the Opposition.
The 53-year-old Bishop is a Trinidadian and was identified to serve in Guyana by the Pope John Paul II.
Bishop Alleyne will return to Guyana to serve in the Archdiocese of Georgetown, which falls under the Archdiocese of Port of Spain.
Bishop Alleyne replaces Bishop Benedict Singh, who retired last year.
He was in Guyana in November 2003 for a four-day visit.
At that time he paid a courtesy call on the Head of State at the Office of the President.
He also met Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Leader of the Opposition Robert Corbin.