Denver Catholic

8 NOVEMBER 12-25, 2016 | DENVER CATHOLIC Around the Archdiocese BY AARON LAMBERT I t was a joyous day for the Archdi- ocese of Denver Nov. 4, when new auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodriguez was consecrated to the fullness«of the sacrament of Holy Orders by Arch- bishop Samuel J. Aquila, Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles and Cardi- nal J. Francis Staƒord. Over 200 priests, 10 bishops, one abbot and countless friends, family and laypeople filled Denver's Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception for the occasion. Archbishop Chris- tophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, was also in attendance and read Pope Francis' apostolic man- date dated Aug. 25 appointing Jorge Rodriguez to the episcopal ošce. "Beloved son, as we place this responsibility upon you, it is our fer- vent«prayer to the Lord that you zeal- ously serve the faithful in the Mile High City so very dear to us and who are under the protection of the blessed Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Concep- tion and the paternal intercession of St. Francis of Assisi," the Holy Father wrote in the letter. During his homily, Archbishop Aquila recounted meeting Father Rodriguez 18 years ago in Rome, as the rector of the newly-opened St. John Vianney Theological Seminary looking for new faculty. "Neither you nor I at that point in history knew what God's plan would be for our lives, and little did you know that almost two decades later, you would become the auxiliary bishop," he told the new bishop. Archbishop Aquila urged Bishop Rodriguez to heed closely the prayer of Jesus from the Gospel of John (Jn 6, 14-19) read at the« ordination Mass and recognize that it is a prayer that extends to his ministry as the auxiliary bishop of Denver. "Listen to the prayer of Jesus in the Gospel you have chosen for today," Archbishop Aquila said. "That prayer is prayed not only for the disciples, but it is prayed by Jesus for you today. You belong to the Father." He added,« "Let the words of Jesus penetrate your own heart, for it is he and the Spirit and the Father who con- secrate you today as their bishop." Archbishop Aquila told Bishop Rodriguez he would be a "tremendous blessing " for the Latino community in northern Colorado, where 60 parishes oƒer Masses said in Spanish and over 50% of Catholics come from a Latino background. For his concluding remarks, Bishop Rodriguez expressed his gratitude to the Lord and to all who have supported and prayed for him as he enters into the episcopate. He was especially grateful to the faithful«he has served during his 10 years of service to the Archdiocese of Denver. "I love you all," he told the congrega- tion. "You cannot imagine how import- ant you've been in my life. The most important gift I have received are the people in the pews." Four of his siblings, as well as some other relatives and friends came to Denver to be with Bishop Rodriguez at his ordination. His sister Ligia told El Pueblo Catolico that the most exciting moment of the ceremony was "when the Scriptures were given to him, and also when I had the opportunity to bring the oƒerings. I love him and we will continue to support him the best we can," she said. Meanwhile, Deacon Mario Vielma from Holy Cross Parish, who was serv- ing at the altar during the ceremony, said, "It is an honor and a blessing of the Lord having accompanied Bishop Rodriguez. He received me since I was ordained." He also said the new bishop "will not lose the sense of humor he has. He will always have that spark regard- less of the rank he holds." To Mayte Lopez, a parishioner of Holy Cross, the most exciting part of the ceremony was "when he was given the episcopal ring. ... this part of the ceremony resembles a wedding. When he [prostrated before the altar], I cried, out of emotion and joy." Several of the staƒ members of Centro San Juan Diego were also present at the ceremony. Alfonso Lara, director of pastoral services, was the lector who read the first reading. Josceline Lozoya, specialist in family services, and who has long known the prelate, said, "It is a pleasure to know that Bishop Rodríguez has reached up that high, being such a humble man, and he stays with his feet on the ground here next to us." CARMEN VILLA CONTRIBUTED TO THIS REPORT. 'You belong to the Father,' Archbishop tells Bishop Rodriguez at ordination The most important gift I have received are the people in the pews." BISHOP JORGE RODRIGUEZ "

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