DETROIT (CNS) — In a filled-to-capacity Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, with priests from around the archdiocese and bishops from around the country in attendance, Msgr. Donald Hanchon, Father Michael Byrnes and Father Arturo Cepeda were ordained as auxiliary bishops for Detroit.

Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron, speaking to the three prior to their episcopal ordination rite, said they would be “numbered among the band of Jesus’ companions.”

“Today, we say with Peter, ‘Yes, Lord, we love you more than these,’” he told the bishop-designates during his homily. “Of all the many qualifications we must fill and competencies we must attain ... the most basic is not mostly functional. The most basic qualification is love for Jesus. Loving him as he loved us — until the end.”

During the ceremony, which took place within the context of Mass, the Vatican decrees naming the three men bishops were read. Archbishop Vigneron laid his hands on them and anointed each man with oil. Each of the three was prayed over using the book of Scripture. And they were presented their miters, crosiers and rings.

Archbishop Vigneron singled out the different qualities each new bishop brings — saying that Bishop Hanchon has been known for his “priestly dedication” and for having a generous heart; Bishop Byrnes being blessed with “abundant gifts” and a love for sharing God’s word; and Bishop Cepeda for having a heart “conformed to Christ’s own heart.”

Bishop Cepeda, who turns 42 May 15, became the youngest U.S. bishop and the 10th youngest Catholic bishop in the world.

A native of Mexico and priest of the San Antonio Archdiocese, he had been serving as rector of Assumption Seminary in San Antonio at the time of his appointment. He becomes the 26th active Hispanic bishop in the United States.

Bishop Hanchon, 63, was pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish and episcopal vicar for the central region of the archdiocese. Bishop Byrnes, 52, was pastor of Presentation/Our Lady of Victory Parish and vice rector of Sacred Heart Seminary.

At the close of the ordination Mass, Bishop Hanchon spoke on behalf of the three, thanking all those in attendance and all those who had influenced their lives and vocations.

“To all of you who loved, encouraged and put up with us — our sincere thanks,” he said.

He gave special thanks to all their parents, the presbyterate, the bishops and Archbishop Vigneron, and the people who they’ve served as priests.

“A shepherd is, in so very many ways, shaped by the flock the Lord entrusts to him,” Bishop Hanchon said, adding that “we still need your prayers, and, in fact, we count on them.”

He closed by promising the faithful that they would do their best to serve them as bishops.

“We pledge to you and to this local Church our love, our hope, our faith and our desire,” he said, “to always be shepherds after the heart of Christ.”

Archbishop Vigneron announced at the ordination Mass that St. Anne, mother of Mary, had been named by the Vatican as patron saint for the Archdiocese of Detroit.

“St. Anne has been integral to the story and history of Detroit and the first Catholic presence in southeast Michigan,” he said. “Today I am happy to announce that St. Anne has been, is and ever will be our patron saint.”

The archbishop plans to celebrate a special Mass commemorating the Vatican’s announcement July 26, the feast of St. Anne, at Sainte Anne de Detroit Church near the Ambassador Bridge. The first Mass in the Archdiocese of Detroit was said to have been celebrated on St. Anne’s feast day in 1701.