In His footsteps – An Interview with Bishop Alberto Rojas

Fr. Soney interviews Bishop Alberto Rojas, the new Bishop of San Bernardino Diocese. The Bishop talks about his family in central Mexico. He began his priestly studies but finished his theology at Mundelein in Chicago. After 14 years of service, his appointment as an auxiliary Bishop came as a surprise . In fact he said “No” at first. He told them that they must have had the wrong number! But then Bishop George called him and said “Don’t say no”. Needless to say, he accepted! After 8 years as auxiliary Bishop, the call came to become Bishop of San Bernardino, the second largest diocese in the US. There are similarities between the two positions, but also differences. Chicago is larger in number of Catholics, but smaller in area. Hispanic population here is 70% while in Chicago it is 50%. Chicago is closing parishes and San Bernardino is opening more.

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