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I am incredibly humbled by the Holy Father’s appointment to serve the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee as bishop. Now I know for sure that God is merciful, having called this sinner to serve in this capacity. The first words which came to mind when I heard of the appointment were, “Lord I am not worthy … but only say the Word…” With joy and zeal, I accept this appointment, and I am thrilled to begin service to God’s people as a bishop.
I have always loved being a priest. For me there is nothing higher than the privilege of celebrating the Eucharist and the other sacraments. Over the past 23 years I have grown tremendously in my faith, through the very mysteries I have served. As a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, I know of the power of the cross of Christ, and the hope that it brings to all creation. We in Holy Cross strive to be “educators in the faith” wherever we go, and I am happy to continue to do this in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.
While I embrace a leadership position in the church once again, I believe that I stand to learn much from the very people I will serve. We are all God’s children, for we have been given God’s Spirit. It is our sacred duty to celebrate and practice our faith together, and to make God known, loved and served in all that we do. This is the mandate that Jesus Christ gave the church after the Resurrection, and it remains in force for us today.
As a community of faith, we will always face trials and difficulties. Indeed, Jesus said that we must take up our cross if we wish to follow him. But if we come together to support, encourage, and challenge each other, there is no doubt we will not only survive; we will triumph in the end. We know how all of this will end: all is swallowed up in victory. Knowing this gives us hope to endure and to invite others to join us in loving God and neighbor.
While I am very sad to be leaving the parish of St. Ignatius Martyr in Austin, TX (where I have served as pastor for the last 8 years), I couldn’t be more excited to move in and get to work here in the diocese. I hope this will be the beginning of a long tenure, so that we may continue to build up the church in this local Church.
May God have mercy on us all! Please know of my prayers for you every day. At the same time, remember me in your prayers. Without your help and your prayers, I can do nothing. With God, however, all things are possible.
