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I’m happy to report that I survived Catholicpalooza and had quite a bit of fun attending more than three hours of services over two days.

For the formal installation mass, I was squeezed between two TV cameras near the cathedral’s altar. I switched between taking frantic notes by hand in my small notebook and transcribing the new bishop’s remarks with my laptop. I was seated closest to the dozens of visiting priests, who were very patient with my strange noises (computer keys, groans as I tried to get more comfortable) and even walked over to greet me during the passing of the peace.

All in all, it was an exhilarating experience — why doesn’t Salt Lake City get a fancy new faith leader every week? Just kidding.

FRESH OFF THE PRESS FROM ME

Utah’s soon-to-be-installed bishop welcomed with smiles

New Catholic bishop a ‘humble servant’ ready to nurture flock

Do divides over LGBT issues drive young people away from faith?

TOP RELIGION READS

Holy-wood: How one priest supports ‘truth, beauty and goodness’ in film, Angelus News

Farewell, Jesus junk? Christian retail finds a deeper purpose, Christianity Today

At the nation’s only Latino mosque, Trump’s immigration policies have ‘changed everything,’ Los Angeles Times

JUST FOR FUN

A Franciscan monastery in Bolivia has welcomed a furry friend into its fold. SO CUTE.