Editor: Bishop Vásquez, the Holy Father has appointed you archbishop of Galveston-Houston. Tell us how you felt when you heard this news.

Bishop Vásquez: This appointment came as a complete surprise to me. The apostolic nuncio called me on Jan. 13 as I was making my way into the office. He told me that the Holy Father had appointed me as archbishop of Galveston-Houston. I remember he asked me, “This is good. Is it not?” And I said I will do whatever the Holy Father asks of me.

Since this appointment was not something I was expecting, I was overwhelmed. I accepted this news with humility because I know it comes from God, and I want to be obedient to him.

As I have had time to process this new appointment, I am profoundly humbled to know Pope Francis has the confidence in me to shepherd the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, a large and diverse diocese. So, as my time in Austin draws to a close, I ask God to help me through the Holy Spirit and to give me the graces that I will need to serve the people of God in the church of Galveston-Houston.

In some ways this is a homecoming for me. I served as auxiliary bishop of Galveston-Houston from 2002 to 2010, so I know many of the priests and many of the faithful who are serving there. I look forward to renewing many relationships and building new ones.

Editor: What have the 15 years you have spent in Central Texas meant to you?

Bishop Vásquez: Serving as the bishop of the Diocese of Austin has been a great blessing to me. I have made so many wonderful friends, and I will take so many fond memories with me as I move to Houston.

My greatest joy is spending time with my priests, as they are my chief collaborators and have helped me provide care for the people of the diocese. I couldn't do this without them. I have enjoyed our time together at convocations and days of prayer, and particularly at ordinations, which are the most joyful days for me.

I have loved visiting with and being a part of the people of God. I love celebrating confirmations with our young people as they desire to live out their faith as disciples of Jesus Christ.

I have also enjoyed visiting our Catholic schools where our young people are so eager to learn not just about academics, but also about their faith and Christ and his church.

I am grateful to the deacons and consecrated men and women, and especially to the pastoral staff in the Diocese of Austin. Their support of me has been exceptional, and they have been with me every step of the way as I have served the people of God in this very vibrant and growing church in Central Texas.

We have accomplished many things in the last 15 years: welcoming new Catholics, growing the number of seminarians, dedicating many new churches and buildings, and there is still more on the horizon! What a blessing it has been to serve the Diocese of Austin, which is filled with people who have shown such great generosity. Our people are strong in the faith, and they love Christ and the church. To serve as the shepherd of this local church has brought me countless blessings.

Editor: Before you leave, will you give us a final blessing please?

Bishop Vásquez: Almighty God, as I prepare to leave the Diocese of Austin, bless all the people of this local church. May their faith in Christ our Savior grow stronger and bless them abundantly so they may serve Christ in their brothers and sisters, especially the poor, weak and lonely. May our church be a home, where all are welcome and cared for and loved. I ask God's blessing in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What’s next?

Bishop Joe Vásquez will be installed as the ninth archbishop of Galveston-Houston on March 25 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston. For more information, visit archgh.org.

When Bishop Vásquez is installed in Houston on March 25, the Diocese of Austin will be vacant. The College of Consultors will meet within eight days to select a diocesan administrator to continue the work of the bishop until a future bishop is named by the Holy See. 

For more information, visit austindiocese.org.