April 14, 2010

Archbishop Gomez left mark in Colorado

By John Gleason

The new coadjutor archbishop of Los Angeles has his episcopal roots in the Denver Archdiocese, which is where he was elevated to the episcopacy when he served as auxiliary bishop here from 2001-2005.

Last week, Pope Benedict XVI appointed San Antonio Archbishop José H. Gomez coadjutor archbishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, which means that upon the retirement or death of Cardinal Roger M. Mahony he will become the shepherd of the 4.6 million Catholics residing there. 

In the Denver Archdiocese, many people are beaming with affection as they see their former “Baby Bishop” take a step toward becoming the spiritual leader of the largest Catholic diocese in the United States.

In a statement, Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., congratulated Archbishop Gomez on his new assignment.

“Archbishop Gomez first served as a bishop in Denver, and people here remember him with great affection,” Archbishop Chaput said.  “He played a very big role in making our Hispanic ministry one of the best in the country, but his impact and friendships went well beyond the Hispanic community.  He has a great gift for bringing people together from very different backgrounds.”

Archbishop Chaput added that Archbishop Gomez’s intelligence, work ethic, personal warmth and respect for others make him an effective leader.

 “Archbishop Gomez will serve the Catholic people of Los Angeles with character, courage and good will,” he said.

Arriving in Denver in 2001 where he was ordained auxiliary bishop on March 26, then-Bishop Gomez served as vicar general of the archdiocese, moderator of the curia, rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and pastor of Mother of God Church.  In addition, he was instrumental in making Centro San Juan Diego, the archdiocese’s center for pastoral and family services to Spanish-speaking Catholics, a reality. Centro brings assistance to thousands of people every year.

Luis Soto, executive director of Centro, told the Los Angeles Times he believes the people of California are going to love having Archbishop Gomez as their shepherd.

“He is a great man,” Soto said.  “He’s a great priest and we are very proud of him.”

Msgr. Jorge De los Santos, vicar for Hispanic Ministry in the Denver Archdiocese, called Archbishop Gomez’s appointment both a great joy and a great responsibility.

“We are very happy and proud to know that a Hispanic will be responsible for the most Hispanic archdiocese in the U.S.,” Msgr. De los Santos said. “We know that God is with him and will be his guidance and strength in this new time and mission.”