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After witnessing her son vested in episcopal garb, Barbara Caggianelli expressed her joy with tears, saying, “Thank you God.” This emotional moment marked the ordination of Father Gregg M. Caggianelli as a bishop to serve the U.S. armed forces.
Father Caggianelli has dedicated three decades to the military as a chaplain and active reservist, achieving the rank of colonel in the U.S. Air Force. On May 9, he became the first U.S. bishop ordained following Pope Leo XIV's election on May 8.
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services conducted the ordination at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, where Bishop Caggianelli has served as a priest, professor, and administrator.
“I’ve been in the military longer than I’ve been in the seminary so it’s my two worlds colliding,” Bishop Caggianelli remarked post-ordination.
In addition to his role as a professor of homiletics, Bishop Caggianelli served as dean of formation, emphasizing care for priests, especially isolated military chaplains. His new role will continue this focus on encouraging love among people and embodying the parable of the Good Shepherd.
“Whenever we are given a new challenge...it is Jesus calling us to go deeper,” said Bishop Caggianelli. “I love (the service members) very much.”
Archbishop Broglio addressed secular challenges during his homily and urged Bishop Caggianelli to heed Pope Leo XIV's call for unity and mission. He emphasized that symbols like rings and mitres should not distract from Jesus Christ's centrality.
“With mitre, staff and ring...lead them to that kingdom that does not pass away,” Archbishop Broglio stated.
Bishop Caggianelli joins four other auxiliary bishops serving Archbishop Broglio to minister to 1.8 million Catholics worldwide across all U.S. military branches and VA medical centers.
The ordination ceremony included several bishops laying hands upon Bishop Caggianelli's head, invoking the Holy Spirit. Among them were prelates from Florida and beyond.
“Bishop Gregg welcome to the episcopal brotherhood,” said Bishop William A. Wack of Pensacola-Tallahassee.
Msgr. Robert R. Cannon praised his friend’s appointment as a “perfect fit” due to his extensive experience as a chaplain and serviceman.
Following semester completion at the seminary, Bishop Caggianelli will remain local while serving Florida's military installations under the Archdiocese for Military Services headquartered in Washington.
This story was initially published by Florida Catholic Media through OSV News partnership.
