Denver, Colo., Sep 14, 2012 / 09:03 am
On Sept. 13 Denver Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley spoke to the Denver Catholic Register about his new appointment as bishop of the Lincoln Diocese.
Q: When and how did you find out about your new appointment?
A: I got the call on Friday, Sept. 7 as I was driving to the chancery. I saw on my cell phone that the area code was Washington and knew it was probably from the apostolic nunciature because I don't know anyone else in Washington, so I pulled over. It was Archbishop (Carlo Maria) Vigano. He told me the Holy Father had named me the new bishop of Lincoln, Neb.
The next day, Sept. 8, was the birthday of the Blessed Mother. So I spent Mary's birthday marveling at the incredible ways God works in our life. The Lord called Mary to be the Mother of God and she said yes, with trust and faith. He has called me to be the bishop of Lincoln. And he calls each one of us-every single one of us-to a mission for his sake, and to holiness in Jesus Christ.
Q: What was your reaction?
A: I am honored, and I am humbled, by the confidence the Holy Father has expressed in me. There is nothing more important for a bishop than the care of souls. God has called me to be the shepherd of souls in the Diocese of Lincoln. I know I need to rely on his grace for this great responsibility.
A couple of days before Archbishop Vigano called, on Sept. 5 the feast of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, I had asked her intercession that if I was ever called to a diocese I would have the peace, tranquility and joy to accept wherever it might be. She answered that prayer because as soon as I heard the nuncio speak the words about my appointment, there was a certain peace. Even though I love Denver, was formed as a bishop in Denver and have made such good friends here-it's been a wonderful time in my life-I knew that this was from God.
I am very joyful for the blessings God has given me. Lincoln has always been a diocese that I've looked up to. There are a number of priests in the Lincoln Diocese I went to seminary with and I always admired them and the bishops I knew-Bishop (Glennon) Flavin and Bishop (Fabian) Bruskewitz-they are heroes in my mind. The other feeling I had when I heard the nuncio say "Lincoln" was a real unworthiness knowing I'd be filling the shoes of giants because I've looked up to both of those bishops throughout my whole priesthood. They have been stellar models of episcopal leadership.
Q: You grew up in Kansas, served as a priest there several years in two stints, then served at the Vatican 10 years, and the last four years you've served as an auxiliary bishop in Denver. How have those experiences changed you and how do you feel about leaving Denver?