By Jennifer Fuller, WSIU
Belleville, Ill. – Belleville's new Catholic bishop was installed Wednesday afternoon during a special service at St. Peter's Cathedral in Belleville.
Edward Braxton was named to the post in March. He is the eighth bishop of the diocese, and now leads more than 100,000 Southern Illinois Catholics.
In his homily, Braxton asked for the prayers of the faithful as he begins his new job.
"To be the best bishop I can be, I asked for your help, I ask for your support, I ask for your trust," Braxton said.
However the ceremony was not without protest. A group of priests and parishioners picketed outside the cathedral.
They say the Vatican did not follow canon law in the speedy selection of Braxton.