Statement from Bishop Kevin Vann on the Appointment of New Auxiliary Bishops for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles
In the name of the Diocese of Orange, I wish to offer our prayers, good wishes, and congratulations to Archbishop Gomez and all of our good neighbors and friends in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles upon today’s announcement.
Pope Francis has appointed three new auxiliary Bishops for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles:
- Bishop-elect Joseph Brennan
- Bishop-elect David O’Connell
- Bishop-elect Robert Barron
Connections Across Southern California
Many of the priests and faithful here in the Diocese of Orange will already know Bishops-elect Brennan and O’Connell through St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo and other shared pastoral endeavors.
Bishop-elect Barron is certainly well known through his column, which we publish in the Orange County Catholic, and his many contemporary evangelization endeavors such as “Word on Fire.” I have also known him from my home Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and the Province of Chicago.
Gratitude for Bishop Gerald Wilkerson
Thanks are also due to Auxiliary Bishop Gerald Wilkerson, whose retirement is announced today as well. His kindness and care are known to many, and I am particularly grateful for his encouragement to me these past years.
A Prayer for the Future
Certainly, we pray for the new Bishops-elect today, especially that Our Lady of the Angels may pray for them and all of us in this joyful time for the Church in Southern California and the Province of Los Angeles.
May the Lord bless us all.
+The Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann
Bishop of Orange