Statement of Archbishop-Designate Joe S. Vasquez

I am profoundly grateful to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for appointing me the next Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and reaffirm my fidelity to him.

I am also deeply appreciative to my predecessors, his Eminence, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo and Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza.

Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza ordained me as a priest for the Diocese of San Angelo and later a bishop for Galveston-Houston. He was truly a spiritual father to me and continues to be a source of inspiration.

Cardinal DiNardo has faithfully served the needs of this Archdiocese for many years. He has been a true shepherd providing this local church with wise leadership and excellent service. I hold him in the highest esteem and will depend on his counsel to help me serve the people of this vibrant and growing Church.

I look forward to working with the many dedicated priests, deacons, consecrated men and women and lay faithful in this Archdiocese. You are a church rich in diversity, goodness and generosity, and I look forward to meeting with you and listening to you as together we grow in our faith and love for Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I also want to express my sincerest gratitude to the people of the Diocese of Austin for the prayers, love and support they have shown in allowing me to serve there for nearly 15 years. I will always have them in my heart.

I am grateful to God for bestowing this responsibility on me and I am humbled by this appointment. AsI begin my service in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, I entrust myself to the tender embrace of Our Lady of Guadalupe and to the compassionate protection of St. Joseph.

With God’s grace I pledge to serve the needs of this local church to the best of my ability. I ask Christ the Good Shepherd to renew my commitment to love him above all and to be his faithful servant. Your love and your prayers are greatly needed and appreciated.

May God bless you all!