Beginnings

With today’s installation of Bishop Daniel Flores, the Rio Grande Valley enters a new era; every new bishop has changed the region. The pomp and ceremony of the installation, with cardinals and papal representatives from across the globe, makes it clear: This is a big event.

It’s a major change in heavily Catholic South Texas. While the position of bishop is ostensibly a servile one, he is rightly called a shepherd as well. Catholics look to him for guidance, and the person carrying the shepherd’s staff can determine if the church gains or loses members during his tenure.

We’ve seen it happen with recent bishops. The recently retired Raymundo Peña was a strong administrator; some people voiced their displeasure that he wasn’t like his predecessor, Enrique San Pedro. Peña dedicated much time and church assets toward handling the area’s growth, including helping with expansions at existing parishes and the establishment of new ones. He also devoted much energy toward seeking and preparing new priests, deacons and lay ministers. Peña opened new schools for children, and brought new energy to the seminary at La Lomita, south of Mission. Under his watch the Shrine of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle was christened as a national shrine and basilica.

San Pedro, a highly educated man who loved public interaction, was a high-profile advocate for human rights. So was John Fitzpatrick, who served before him, although he never lost the personable style of a parish priest.

Fitzpatrick and San Pedro at times defied political leaders in their advocacy, and they inspired local residents to reach out to those who were even less fortunate than they. Fitzpatrick oversaw the establishment of the Casa Oscar Romero in Brownsville to help people fleeing violence in Central America find shelter and petition for legal residency; San Pedro turned it into a compound where homeless people and families could stay and work toward self-sufficiency.

What can we expect from Bishop Flores? He told reporters Monday that he’s still getting his bearings. "I still need to figure out how I’m going to manage my time," he said.

At 48, Flores is one of the youngest bishops to head a Catholic diocese. He expressed plans to reach out to leaders of other denominations and religions to promote common goals, and wants to expand the use of electronic media to reach out to the public.

Will his age and energy invigorate the diocese? Will he inspire more young people to become active church members? Will older parishioners appreciate his youth and charm, or will they feel that their interests are no longer represented?

The Valley will soon see. Being a bishop surely is a complex and difficult job. And as Daniel Flores applies himself to the task, Valley Catholics, and others whose lives are affected by the actions and programs they undertake, will react accordingly.

We wish the new bishop the best in his new endeavor.