Two days of liturgies and celebrations marking the arrival of Bishop Daniel E. Garcia

Brothers and Sisters,

With great joy and gratitude for God’s good providence, tomorrow we begin two days of liturgies and celebrations marking the arrival of Bishop Daniel E. Garcia as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Austin. Giving thanks to our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, for his pastoral attentiveness to this local Church in appointing Bishop Garcia, we arrive at this momentous event with great hope.

As we welcome Bishop Garcia back to his home diocese, we remember fondly those who have come before him, especially Arch/Bishops Reicher, Harris, McCarthy, Aymond and Vásquez, asking God to grant them his good favor for the witness they gave the people of Central Texas. We now come together as a family to embrace Bishop Garcia’s episcopal motto and walk humbly with God together as one Body of Christ. Let us labor faithfully with Bishop Garcia and one another so that our diocese serves as a legacy to our love and Christian service for the people of Central Texas.

On Wednesday, September 17, we will pray Solemn Vespers at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Austin, at which Bishop Garcia will make his Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity. On Thursday, September 18, Bishop Garcia will take possession of the Diocese at the Solemn Mass of Installation at St. William Parish in Round Rock. This will be a unique and joyful occasion, and we invite all the faithful to participate in this beautiful liturgical celebration via livestream.

During these past six months, it has been my sincere honor to serve as the Diocesan Administrator, and I remain humbled and grateful for the trust placed in me. Together let us now commit ourselves to assisting Bishop Garcia in his ministry as our new Bishop, entrusting him and our diocese to the loving care of Mary, Mother of the Church, praying that we will continue our journey together with renewed hope and zeal.

Yours in Christ, 
Father James Misko