Miami priest appointed by Pope to head Colorado diocese

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Pope Benedict XVI / Fr. Fernando Isern

Miami, Fla., Oct 15, 2009 / 10:32 am (CNA).- This morning the Vatican announced that Fr. Fernando Isern from the Archdiocese of Miami has been appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to head the Diocese of Pueblo in southern Colorado. Bishop-elect Isern, 51, was born in Havana, Cuba and raised in southern Florida. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Miami in 1993 and has since worked at both pastoral and educational posts.

His appointment as the fourth Bishop of Pueblo, succeeding Bishop Arthur Tafoya, will be officially announced to the faithful in Miami at an 11 a.m. press conference by Archbishop of Miami John C. Favalora. Bishop-elect Isern will then make a statement in both English and Spanish, the archdiocese announced on its website.

In a statement provided to CNA, Bishop-elect Isern thanked Archbishop Favalora and all the clergy “for their example and fraternity” during his years at the Archdiocese of Miami.

“I am especially grateful for having been entrusted as pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes parish. I have been able to experience the wonderful vibrancy and love of this Archdiocese in the commitment of its laity,” he said.

Bishop-elect Isern also touched on his time as President of Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School and Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School, which he said showed him “the wonderful contribution that Catholic education makes to the Church.”

Besides these experiences, the bilingual bishop-elect has also been involved in Hispanic and prison ministries, all of which, he explained, have led him to adopt “Caritas Christi Urget Nos” or “The Love of Christ Urges Us” as his episcopal motto.

Looking ahead to shepherding the Diocese of Pueblo, the newly appointed Isern said, “As Bishop of the Diocese Pueblo, it is a father’s love that unites me to its laity, priests and religious. The diocese encompasses Southern Colorado, an area with great natural beauty and diversity. Its people are rightfully proud of their history and cultural contributions.

“It is the love of Christ that urges us to now embrace each one as our own and to entrust ourselves to the generosity and hospitality of its people, as we recite the beautiful prayer of St. Theresa of Avila, whose feast we celebrate today, 'Let nothing disturb thee; nothing frighten thee. All things are passing. God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Nothing is wanting to him who possesses God. God alone suffices.'”

Bishop-elect Isern will be ordained on Thursday, December 10 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Pueblo, Colo., the Archdiocese of Miami reported.

As head of the Diocese of Pueblo, a community with a large Spanish-speaking population, Bishop-elect Isern will serve 121,000 lay people, 90 priests, 33 permanent deacons and 94 religious.

Comments: 16

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Mary Lee
Miami/FL/USA 10/18/2009 11:32 AM EST

I am a member of Our Lady Of Lourdes parish and congratulate our Fr. Fernando Isern on his appointment by our Pope to be the Bishop of Pueblo, Colorado. We will miss him more than he could ever know. He has been a tremendous blessing and inspiration in our lives; he will be in our prayers. Being a great administrator with excellent leadership skills and a humble personality, he will be a blessing to the people of Pueblo, Colorado. As he begins another journey with our Lord, we wish him God's guidance. May God bless you and watch over you Bishop-Elect Isern.

Published by: Regina
Pueblo/CO/USA 10/17/2009 09:58 AM EST

I am trying to find out this "New" bishops feelings on traditional masses "LATIN TRIDENTINE" Is he going to go forward and allow us this honored tradition ?

Published by: Robertz
Owensboro/KY/USA 10/16/2009 03:22 PM EST

Michael, first I said nothing about "official languages". "Official languages" only concern matters of official business, that is, government. People have the right to speak whatever language they want in this country on their own time, including at church. Second, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesars" does not trump God. We follow the laws of man only as far as they do not contradict the rule of God and His Church of which Christ Himself is the head. Do you put your politics above God? Would you condemn someone to hell simply because they speak Spanish rather than English in this country? We are to spread the Good News to all people, no matter what language someone speaks, as it is called the Catholic Church for a reason.

Published by: Michael
McMonagle 10/16/2009 12:47 PM EST

To Robertz : You're dead wrong because Christ Himself allowed man to govern himself and make his own laws by saying "Render unto Caesar what is Caesars" I find it interesting that you think Spanish will soon become the USA's official language. Sounds like you want Mexico to regain what it lost by treaty. Sad. To Ben : I read the entire text of the Treaty of Guadelupe-Hidalgo and nowhere can I find any wording that substantiates your claim that Mexicans were given a right, in perpetuity, to speak Spanish in any part of Colorado. Perhaps you could pinpoint where in the treaty it states that? Also which Federal treaty prevents English from being the exclusive official language in southern Colorado or any part of Colorado? I would like to read that one too. To Maria : You are misconstring what I mean by resistance to Rome and the USCCB. I accept the pope's right to appoint whomever he likes as bishop and will live with his nomineee, but I will relentlessly fight aliens illegally sojouring and/or working in the USA and any attempt by Mexico (or Mexicans) to reclaim American territory which it lost by the treaty of Guadelupe- Hidalgo, a treaty which Ben so kindly brought to my attention.

Published by: Jean-Pierre Chacon
Miami, FL USA 10/16/2009 11:57 AM EST

I am also from OLOL Parish. I am sad that Father Isern is leaving, but extremely proud and happy that he has been made a bishop. He attended our K of C 1st Degree ceremony last night and blessed our pins, making it an extra special night. I know he will make an awesome bishop. Thank you Holy Father for this gift to the Church. To the people of Pueblo, take good care of him. Know that your diocese and bishop will now be especially in our prayers here at OLOL.

Published by: Martha Valladares
Miami,FL,USA 10/16/2009 10:46 AM EST

I am so proud of our Fr.Fernando Isern, he will always be "our Father". I am an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes, I am shure I can talk for the hole community, we will miss him! And of course, he will miss, not just the cuban food, but also the parish where he is so loved and he has done so much. Congratulations Pueblo, you will love your new Bishop!

Published by: Maria
Pueblo 10/16/2009 02:45 AM EST

Well, THIS Catholic is a faithful and humble servant who respects the decisions of our Papa. Welcome to Pueblo Bishop-elect Isern.

Published by: Gina
Denver, Colorado, USA 10/15/2009 07:57 PM EST

Having grown up in Southern Colorado first under Bishop Buswell and then under Bishop Tafoya I can only be joyful and thankful for a new bishop. I am thankful for Bishop Tafoya's efforts but greatly look forward to a bishop who is hopefully more like our dear Archbishop Chaput of Denver. I pray for a renewal of the Catholic Church in Southern Colorado and an increase in vocations there. May God bless and guide Bishop-elect Isern!

Published by: Kathy Dyke
Miami, Florida,USA 10/15/2009 07:22 PM EST

Congratulations Bishop-elect Isern! I am a member of OLOL parish and while we are all going to miss Fr. Isern, this is such a blessing for Puelblo, Colorado as Fr Isern is a humble priest who lives by example. Fr. Isern is an excellent administrator and a very special priest and our parish has grown tremendously under his guidance. We love you and will miss you, Fr Isern.

Published by: ben
denver/colorado/usa 10/15/2009 05:20 PM EST

It seems that Michael is a bit misinfomred baout the history of southern Colorado, much of which enterred the United States along with New Mexico under the Treaty of Guadelupe-Hidalgo. This treaty specifically garantees the Mexican inhabitants of the areas incorporated into the US by this treaty and their descendants the right to use the Spanish language in perpetuity. So as far as southern Colorado is concerned, English is prevented from being the exclusive official language by federal treaty. I wish to offer a hearty welcome Bishop-elect Isern from Denver.

Published by: Iso
Palm Bay, Florida, USA 10/15/2009 05:04 PM EST

The first thing that came to mind was: "He is sure going to miss the Cuban food." For those who think Mexican food is similar, I have news for you...not like it! In a more serious tone, Bishop Tafoya has been a great shepherd of the Church and a great coolaborator with the neighboring dioceses. May God bless his new steps. Bishop-elect Fernando Isern will be well received in the Pueblo diocese by the multi-cultural church of the area.

Published by: Robertz
Owensboro/KY/USA 10/15/2009 04:45 PM EST

Michael, you are thinking by the standards of this world and not by that of Christ. National borders mean little to the Church. National borders come and go, but the Church remains. The Spanish language is the future of this country. While Caucasian Americans are too busy out trying to have a good time instead caring about families and the good of society in maintaining proper families, Hispanic Americans and other minorities will soon be the majority in this country. The same is happening in Europe also, but the soon to be majority over there are Muslims. The one, holy, catholic, apostolic Church is Catholic; it is why it is called the Catholic Church. It is universal. It is for everyone of any language, English or Spanish.

Published by: Michael
McMonagle 10/15/2009 01:48 PM EST

Rate: Regular

Is English not the official language of the USA? I think yes, so my question is what is Benedict xvi doing appointing this priest as bishop over another who doesn't (and shouldn't have to) speak Spanish? Why are Spanish-speakers of Pueblo Diocese being pandered to, when, if they're here legally and are here to stay they should be fluent in English, as is the case for other Catholics whose mother tongue is not English? Why didn't a priest who only speaks English become Pueblo Diocese's bishop? Is it becoming a requirement for a priest to speak Spanish to be considered for the office of bishop? I am fast beginning to think that Benedict xvi, like the USCCB, wants a global world with no borders or sovereignty or cultural or language differences, and, if that's the case, which is I think it is, this Catholic will resist Rome and the USCCB with everything he's got. Are there other American Catholics who feel this way? Yes, I think there are...in the millions, if they just knew what is afoot.

Published by: Miriam Hernandez
Miam, Florida, Dade 10/15/2009 01:11 PM EST

I am part of OLOL parish and also the Office Manager of Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll High School. I am sad to see our dear pastor leaving us, but I know that God has a purpose and that he is going to be one of the best bishop we could have. CONGRATULATIONS FATHER FERNANDO ISERN. MAY GOD BLESS WE LOVE YOU.

Published by: Patricia Reyes
Pueblo, Colo. 10/15/2009 12:00 PM EST

Oh, when I read this article, I was both happy and sad at the same time. Happy because the Holy Spirit has answered our prayers for a new Shepherd for the Diocese. Sad because Bishop Tafoya, who has been an inspiring and faithful Shepherd of the Diocese for so many years, will be leaving us. God bless both of these pastors as they enter their new callings. We have a wonderful, special Diocese with great men and women involved in ministry here.

Published by: Stephanie
Pueblo/CO/USA 10/15/2009 11:15 AM EST

As an involved youth from the Pueblo, Colorado Diocese, I can honestly speak for all of us when I say we are extremely excited to have this new Bishop. We all love Bishop Tafoya, but this is going to be a great change.

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