TYLER, Texas — Just over one year since the removal of longtime Bishop Joseph Strickland, the sitting apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Tyler says he's inspired by the Catholic community in Northeast Texas and is praying for the next bishop who will lead the diocese.
Bishop Joe Vásquez, of Austin, was named the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Tyler on Nov. 11, 2023, after Pope Francis removed Strickland as the bishop of Tyler.
"As apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Tyler, I am inspired by the faith, generosity, and dedication of the Catholic community here in Northeast Texas. The faithful in this area are witnesses to the invitation of the Gospel to love and serve," Vasquez said.
Vásquez said he's in prayer alongside the people of the Diocese of Tyler for the bishop who will the Pope will appoint.
He also added he's grateful that the East Texas Catholic community has built a vibrant, welcoming church that serves everyone.
Vásquez is the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Austin and has been in the role since 2010. He attended Stamford and Abilene public schools and then studied theology at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. He also attended the Gregorian University, North American College, in Rome from 1980 to 1985. He was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of San Angelo on June 30, 1984, according to his biography.
He is currently a consultant to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities and a lead bishop for Region X for the V National Encounter for Hispanic/Latino Ministry (V Encuentro).
In November 2023, a Catholic cardinal out of Houston said a visitation by two bishops found the continuation of Strickland's leadership to be "not feasible." A decision was then made to ask for Strickland's resignation. However, Strickland then declined to resign and two days later, Pope Francis removed him from the Office of Bishop of Tyler.
In a statement, Strickland later said his dismissal was related to him speaking "the Truth of (the) Catholic faith" and his defense of its unchangeable teachings to protect his flock.
The Diocese of Tyler has seen four bishops, including Strickland, since it was established in 1987.
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