Texas Catholic Herald - June 29, 2021

June 29, 2021 • archgh.org/tch

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in total dedication to god

June 29, 2021

Proclaiming the Good News to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston since 1964

Bishop-elect Italo Dell’Oro commemorative issue

Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS The Eighth Auxilary Bishop of Galveston-Houston

VOL. 58, NO. 4

2 Texas Catholic Herald

archgh.org/tch • June 29, 2021

June 29, 2021 • archgh.org/tch

Publishing since 1964 (USPS 936-480)

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Table of contents

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Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Italian bishops share well wishes. • PAGE 4

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An introduction

Advertising ads@archgh.org • 713-652-4407 Daniel Cardinal DiNardo Archbishop, President & Publisher Jonah Dycus Communications Director & Executive Editor Rebecca Torrellas Managing Editor James Ramos Designer & Reporter Catherine Viola Graphic Designer & Advertising Manager Lisa May, Luigi Criemlla & Jo Ann Zuñiga Contributor Special thanks to Elisabetta Ciaccia Zaffaroni for her efforts in translating and coordinating Italian content The Texas Catholic Herald, an awardwinning member of The Catholic Media Association, is published semi-monthly on Tuesdays, with one issue in June, July and August by The Texas Catholic Herald Publishing Co., Inc., 1700 San Jacinto St., Houston, TX 77002.

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Postmaster: Send address changes to P.O. Box 907, Houston, TX 77001 Subscription rate: $15 per year; $20 outside Texas; $35 out of U.S.

Letters to Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro

Pope Francis names Father Italo Dell’Oro as Archdiocese’s newest auxiliary bishop. • PAGE 9

Family ties

Siblings of bishop-elect recall his early days with family, faith. • PAGE 11

The Somascans

Congregation praises their fellow religious brother now bishop-elect. • PAGE 13 An archdiocese celebrates Peers, colleagues rejoice in new appointment. • PAGE 15 love from Italia!

Bishop-Elect Italo and the faith lived in Valmadrera, Italy. • PAGE 18 A life in photos Snapshots of the life and faith of Bishop-Elect Italo Dell’Oro. • PAGE 20 Coat of Arms revealed Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro’s Coat of Arms reflects his Italian upbringing and love for the mountains. • PAGE 24 What does it all mean?

All your bishop-related questions answered. • PAGE 26 Galveston-Houston’s humble beginnings Learn about the history of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and its bishops. • PAGE 28

TCH publishing schedule Issue date: August 10 Deadline: Noon on July 20 Issue date: September 14 Deadline: Noon on August 24

On the cover Bishop Italo Dell’Oro Photo by Michael Martinez Fine Portraits

walking with young adults The bishop-elect takes great care in caring for young adults.

PAGE 33 • En Español PAGINA 42 Reaching out to the Hispanic community For years, Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro has cultivated a relationship with Hispanics in the Archdiocese.

PAGE 35 • En Español: PAGINA 39

The Congregation of the Holy Spirit Province of the United States congratulates

Rev. Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S.

on his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

S piritanS

One Heart, One Spirit

Fr. Honest Munishi, C.S.Sp., Vocations Director joinus@spiritans.org | www.Spiritans.org

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archgh.org/tch • June 29, 2021

A Letter from Cardinal diNardo

By Daniel Cardinal DiNardo • Archbishop of Galveston-Houston

In this edition of the Texas Catholic Herald, there is a fitting tribute to Bishop-Elect Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, our next auxiliary bishop.

This issue includes a good biographical summary of his birth, upbringing and priestly formation in Northern Italy, his vocational discernment and the recollections of many friends and relatives — including a cousin who is also a bishop. We also get to read about and hear from Bishop-Elect Italo himself!

I have known Bishop-Elect Italo since 2004 when I came to Houston as Coadjutor Bishop and was always impressed by his smile and kindness and his love for Liturgy (besides, he cooks Italian dishes very well!).

He has been here for over 25 years and is known well by our priests, both diocesan

and religious, and is greatly dedicated to the various Hispanic communities in our local Church.

I am very happy to see him named a bishop by our Holy Father and to know that he will serve as an auxiliary bishop in GalvestonHouston. I have found Bishop-Elect Italo to be a great collaborator with me in his office as vicar for Clergy, a good counselor, and a priest of faith, who, like Pope Francis asks, looks to bring those in the margins to the center of attention in the Church.

He will be a great person of “accompaniment” to those he encounters in his episcopal and personal dealings. Ad multos annos! †

June 29, 2021 • archgh.org/tch

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A Letter from Bishop-elect Dell’oro By bishop-elect italo dell’oro • Auxiliary bishop of galveston-Houston

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I thank God for each of you on the occasion of my ordination as the eighth Auxiliary Bishop of Galveston-Houston. I am humbled and grateful that His Holiness, Pope Francis chose me for this role.

I also am immensely grateful to Daniel Cardinal DiNardo.

He has been a mentor in my relationship with the priests; I have observed his clarity of mind and his pastoral approach to our brother priests. Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza involved me in ministry to my brother priests in 2005. I love the priesthood, and I joyfully accepted that role in our diocese. I knew that I had his support, and I always felt like he was my mentor.

JOY! In gratitude to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, the people of our parish unite in prayer & thanksgiving for our new auxiliary bishop

Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S.

Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz, with his integrity and great pastoral sense, his feet on the ground, and his example of humble service, has been a great companion in my ministry as vicar for clergy.

I owe who I am to my family — my deceased parents Giuseppe and Silene and my two sisters, Michela and Edy, and to all my friends back home and my mountains as well. Also, I am grateful for my Somascan confreres, with whom I spend my life — in prayer, meals, arguments, and a glass of wine that settles any discussion.

It has been a beautiful experience for me as an international priest, as a member of a religious community, to see the growing diversity in the population of Galveston-Houston.

It is truly remarkable to be in the most diverse city in the United States and see a similar diversity within the Catholic population and the priests.

Since I started in Houston in 1992 as pastor of Assumption Church, I witnessed the profound growth of the faithful.

I feel fortunate and blessed to be ministering in such a wonderful, evolving reality.

While serving at the Chancery

the past six years, I have developed a great appreciation for the many people who dedicate themselves to the good of the Church.

I anticipate getting to know even more about the Archdiocese as I visit parishes to preside at Confirmations and participate in other commitments as an auxiliary bishop for this Archdiocese.

I certainly intend to continue to learn from many, but I also look forward to continuing to serve this Archdiocese — my Archdiocese — to the best of my capacities and invoke the Holy Spirit to lead my heart, my mind and my whole being.

I am grateful to all who welcomed me when I was a young priest from Italy and all who now welcome me as auxiliary bishop.

I am proud to call Houston my home.

St. Jerome Emiliani prayed that the Church may return to the holiness of the time of the apostles. I ask that, through his intercession and your prayers, I may continue to be an instrument towards achieving such holiness.

May God continue to send His blessings upon all of you and upon our Church of GalvestonHouston. Be assured of my prayers for each of you as I remain

Yours in Christ, The Most Reverend Italo Dell’Oro, CRS Auxiliary Bishop of Galveston-Houston

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Letters from around the world

By Bishop Adelio Dell’Oro of Karaganda, Kazakhstan I welcomed with great joy Pope Francis’ decision to bestow on you the fullness of the priestly order with the episcopal ordination, appointing you at the same time auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and third bishop of Sucarda, Algeria.

Each gift that the Lord gives us is also a responsibility, and the greater and more undeserved the gift is (I am speaking about my experience), the greater our answer to Him must be.

Next year you will celebrate 40 years since your ordination to the priesthood.

I will celebrate 50 years. During all these years, we didn’t maintain a close relationship, both because we have been called to serve the Lord, the Church, and our human brothers in situations that are geographically very far (you in the States, I in Kazakhstan), and perhaps because at that time we didn’t have the means of communication of today.

Only this last year I finally discovered WhatsApp and we were able to share some moments of our lives and of our priestly ministry.

When we were children and teenagers, we didn’t have great opportunities to meet because you lived in Valmadrera, while I lived in Chiuso-Lecco; moreover, when I was 11, I entered the diocesan seminary, which at the time was similar to a cloistered convent, with no contacts with the world.

I have two precise memories of you, my dearest cousin.

The first - you told me about it – refers to when you decided to readily answer to the vocation the Lord was calling you to, which you perhaps also recognized thanks to your close relationship with Father Luigi Stucchi (now Bishop and my summer confessor during high school) and with a few other friends: the decision to enter the Somascan order and to verify your vocation to priesthood. This decision had greatly struck me because you had a girlfriend, and your choice to break your relationship with her, of course explaining her the reason for it, seemed pretty bold to me; an important witness to how we

don’t give meaning and value to our own life choosing what we perceive as more correspondent, but rather what the Lord gives us, Who knows better than we do what use our life can have and which contribution we can offer to build His house and His presence in the world.

The second memory refers to your first Holy Mass, which I concelebrated, right after your ordination in September 1982, in the church of Valmadrera, full to bursting with people. I remember the procession that took place in the evening through the roads of the village, and most of all the celebration that they had prepared for you immediately after. There had been a play, and a cross had been used; at the end, you went on stage and, with a very meaningful gesture, you picked up the cross. I was sitting next to your mom Silene, who made this comment in her dialect, “Ma varda cus’el fa! [Look what he is doing!] A bit of admiration mixed with fear, certainly a prophecy of your future ministry.

Indeed, just a few years later you left your homeland to be a missionary, following your superiors’ request, in 1988 in New Hampshire and later on, in 1992, in Texas, where, as your archbishop, Daniel Cardinal Nicholas DiNardo, said, “You have been a genuine, pastoral presence to the many people and cultures of our great region.”

You have been carrying this cross; that is, you have been offering up your life in mission for about 36 years; I pray and wish for you to carry it joyfully and lovingly up to the mountain peak… you love the mountains so much, and you always climbed the Italian ones, especially the Dolomites. I personally understand how much the Lord loves me because the more I climb towards the peak, the goal of my life, day after

day, circumstance after circumstance, and abiding completely to the gift of the freedom that He gave me, Jesus invites me to give Him everything, as He did on the Calvary.

Now you are called to even greater responsibilities and tasks. I wish you to be able to live them peacefully and gladly. I was particularly struck recently

by Pope Francis’s catechesis on prayer, in which he said,“Prayer is a kind of musical staff, where we inscribe the melody of our lives. It is not in contrast with daily work; it does not contradict the many small obligations and appointments; if anything, it is the place where every action finds its meaning, its reason and its peace… work and prayer are complementary.”

And on the Feast of Corpus Domini: “God’s presence is so humble, hidden, sometimes invisible, that it needs a prepared, awake and welcoming heart to be recognized… It is necessary to leave the small room of our self and enter the great space of amazement and adoration… if there is no amazement and adoration, there is no road that leads us to the Lord… The Church must also be a great hall… a Community with open arms, welcoming towards all,” precisely like the arms of Jesus’ cross, which you picked up and carried with you on the day of your first Mass.

Have a great journey, dearest Bishop Italo!

From heaven, your mom Silene and your dad Peppino are even closer to you, as well as from earth, even if thousands of miles away, are your sisters Michela and Edy, with all your nephews and nieces and grandnephews and grandnieces.

I promise to remember you every day in my prayer to the Lord and to Mary, and I ask you to pray for me.

Most affectionately, Bishop Adelio Dell’Oro Bishop of Karaganda in Kazakhstan and first cousin of Bishop Italo Dell’Oro

Prayers and congratulations to

Bishop Italo Dell’Oro From the clergy and faithful of St. Jerome Parish and School.

Our prayers are with you as you begin your ministry as Auxiliary Bishop.

June 29, 2021 • archgh.org/tch

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By Archbishop Franco Moscone, CRS, of Manfredonia-ViesteSan Giovanni Rotondo, Italy

Archbishop Franco Moscone, center, and Fr. Italo Dell’Oro, right, visit Magellan’s Cross at the Basilica of the Santo Nino in Cebu City, Philippines.

By AUXILIARY bishop EMERITUS LUIGI STUCCHI of MILAN, Italy I met Italo when he was 13, the son with two sisters of a refined and respected, simple and hard-working family, with close family and neighborly relationships.

As a preteen with six other friends, he was part of a team that participated in a TV program that showed competitions between small towns on Saturday afternoons. They won under the name of “The Magnificent Seven.” It was a triumph, but nobody got ahead of themselves.

Italo was energetic and thoughtful at the same time. Living these two aspects in a balanced fashion, he was able to discover life and its beauty. He perceived his own future and allowed himself to be attracted by a beautiful human plan, though he soon abandoned it to respond to an interior and ecclesial call.

I was struck by his composure and consistency when he chose his path discreetly but also with determination.

His “yes” to the Lord became a story of service, love to the Church and to the Lord, careful and welcoming concern towards everyone.

Thus, Father Italo shaped his ministry according to the charism of St. Jerome, with his personal loving and persuasive style and generous and intrinsically

The news regarding the appointment of my brother Father Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, to auxiliary bishop of Houston filled me with joy, and I thanked the Lord and the pontiff for choosing him. I must confess, though, that I had been expecting it for a while, even before my own election to diocesan bishop in 2018.

I met and became friends with Father Italo in 1980 when I was sent to Rome to the Somascan community of Sant’Alessio all’Aventino and I attended the Athenaeum of Saint Anselm directed by the Benedictines. Italo was one year ahead of me in his theological studies and consecrated life; moreover, we came from two different religious provinces, although both in the northern part of Italy. We immediately became friends, and there was a special bond between us, both due to our common cultural interests and studies, and most of all due to our love for sports and especially for soccer. I remember that in soccer we were complementary: he was a good central midfielder and playmaker, and I was a forward who lived out of the others’ efforts, thus his, too.

Although to obey to our religious life our roads separated, and we never belonged to the same community, our friendship never faded, and we have always tried to keep it alive, even if we were destined to different countries and continents. He left pretty soon to the United States, while I moved around Italy and Europe, often changing communities and countries.

Notwithstanding the distance, Father Italo was present to all the most significant moments in my life: my solemn profession, my priestly ordination, and finally, my episcopal ordination on Jan. 12, 2019. There is one event that I never forgot and is always in my heart: it is linked to the day of my priestly ordination, June 16, 1984. Only one month before my grandmother had passed away, the only grandparent that I ever met: I was

free dedication. Consequently, his responsibility within the Church grew, with particular attention towards education.

Little by little, our experiences brought us on different paths, but we always felt that the steps taken together had been crucial, and we never forgot the good that we both received from the other. We understood each other well, and we recognized that we were walking together — a gift to each other — with an openness that has grown even more with his call to the bishopric.

The new auxiliary bishop-elect will not lack wisdom for his ecclesial service, nor will he lose his readiness, intuition, balance and humanity for his new mission.

I always felt him close within the only Church of the Lord, even when he was physically far away, but now I feel him even closer.

Now I will be waiting for the opportunity to celebrate the precious gift of a Mass presided by Bishop Italo in our homeland and in the parish of Valmadrera.

Bishop Luigi Stucchi Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Milan, Italy and Bishop Italo Dell’Oro’s parish priest growing up as a teenager.

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very close to her, and she was really waiting expectantly for my ordination. Father Italo accompanied me to the cemetery, and we prayed together at Nonna Rosa’s tomb. For me, it was a sign of authentic fraternity and transparent friendship.

After that, for several years, we had only rare and occasional chances to meet. When I was elected superior general of the Order in 2008, our connection was revived and became once again fresh and enriching at the same time. By then, Father Italo was already in Houston and carried out his pastoral tasks in the diocese for the formation of the clergy.

Since I barely knew any English (I started studying it at 50 on the internet!), I asked Father Italo to help me as a companion and interpreter during some sensitive trips. His availability was immediate and very frank: he accompanied me during two canonical visits to India, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. I must say that he was much more than an “interpreter;” rather he was an “advisor,” and he provided me with useful intuitions that helped me carry out my task to liven up and safeguard our charism within different and ancient cultures, such as those in the Far East.

I truly hope to be able to attend his episcopal ordination in person, if consular visas and the pandemic allow it; however, in case I won’t, I confess that I feel that both my friendship and my fraternity with Father Italo have grown greatly, and I assure my spiritual presence and companionship through prayer and esteem.

I wish him to be a “bishop Somascan” before a “Somascan bishop:” in this way he will certainly give flesh to the Coat of Arms that he chose and Abyssus Abyssum Vocat! † Archbishop Franco Moscone, CRS Archbishop of Manfredonia-Vieste-San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. Archbishop Moscone attended seminary with Bishop Italo Dell’Oro and previously served as the Superior General of Somascans Fathers.

Saint Charles Borromeo Church

congratulates Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S.

The clergy and parishioners of St. Charles Borromeo Parish offer sincere prayers and congratulations to Bishop Italo Dell’Oro and all the people of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Bishop Dell’Oro is a true shepherd after our Lord’s heart, who will serve as Auxiliary Bishop with affection and truthfulness.

May our Lord pour forth His blessings upon Bishop Dell’Oro.

“Noi non potemo avere perfetta vita senza amici.”

– Dante Alighieri

St. Charles Borromeo Parish Houston, Texas

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Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S., on the occasion of your

Episcopal Ordination the parishioners of Assumption Catholic Parish and

the students of Assumption Catholic School porgono al Vescovo Italo Dell'Oro, C.R.S. i migliori Auguri di Buon Apostolato! and a promise to support him within his work.

Wishing you a happy, healthy and long ministry in the Archdiocese of Galveston Houston!

God bless you!

June 29, 2021 • archgh.org/tch

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Pope Francis names Father Italo Dell’Oro as Archdiocese’s newest auxiliary bishop Texas Catholic Herald staff report HOUSTON — On May 18, Pope Francis appointed Father Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, vicar for clergy and Secretariat director of Clergy Formation and Chaplaincy Services of the Archdiocese, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

The ordination Mass for the upcoming bishop is July 2 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston.

Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro, 68, is a priest of the Congregation of Somascan Fathers. Born in Italy, he came to the United States in 1985 to work in New Hampshire at a school run by his religious congregation.

In 1992, he was transferred to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

“To be called by Pope Francis to be one of the successors of the apostles is really overwhelming,” the new bishop said in a recent interview with the Texas Catholic Herald. “I will be present for the people and help (Daniel) Cardinal DiNardo with whatever is asked of me.”

Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro has been a priest for almost 40 years, 30 of those in the Archdiocese. He was named vicar general in 2021.

When then-Father Dell’Oro first arrived in GalvestonHouston in 1992, his initial assignment was as pastor of Assumption Church in Houston.

Growing up in Valmadrera, Italy, the Somascan priest was an avid rock climber and mountaineer during his teen years in the pristine countryside of Lake Como, Italy. He wasn’t familiar with the topography of the Bayou City when he arrived.

“When I came to Houston, I started looking for

photo by jonah dycus/herald

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Bishop-Elect Italo Dell’Oro, Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza and Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz pause for a photo after the press conference announcing the appointment of Father Dell’Oro as Galveston-Houston’s newest auxiliary bishop on May 18.

mountains, excited to have found near Assumption Church the street named ‘W. Mount Houston,’” he said. “I followed it and found myself in the subdivision Hidden Valley. So I took up jogging, which I still try to do.”

In 2001, he served as director of vocations for the Somascan Fathers in Houston before being named the

The Basilian Fathers and Basilian Lay Associates of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston extend our warmest congratulations and prayers for the episcopal ministry of our dear friend Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS

Ad multos annos!

congregation’s formation director in 2014. From 2005 to 2012, he also worked as director of ministry to priests for the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese.

“It is so enriching to assist young people in discerning their own calling — not just to religious life and priesthood but to marriage,” the new bishop told the Herald in 2010. “The fact that I am working in an international context is extremely exciting. It’s one of the most beautiful realities I’ve encountered since coming to Houston: This is the Church.”

He considers the internationality and diversity of the Archdiocese to be a “beautiful opportunity” for the faithful to grow together.

“We can work to build within the Church a sense of belonging, a sense of sharing the common faith,” he said. “And Cardinal DiNardo is an active agent in these efforts in us becoming witnesses. We are diverse, but we are together as one.”

The bishop-elect speaks English, Italian and Spanish.

“Being a presence to the Spanish-speaking community (in Galveston-Houston) is very important, but of course, I’m excited to be with all cultures of our Archdiocese,” Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro said. “I cannot express how excited I am when I’m in a multi-cultural environment.”

Born June 20, 1953, in Malgrate, near Lecco, Italy, he entered the Somascan Novitiate and Theologate in Rome and made his first religious profession in 1978; he made his final profession in 1981. He was ordained See Dell’Oro, page 10

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Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro: I knocked and the door opened

“There is nothing to be afraid of in taking some chances and making the first step. As long as you make some steps, you’ll find and discover yourself — and that is our vocation: To live a life of complete, total dedication to God.”

Dell’ORO, from page 9 a priest in Como, Italy, on Sept. 11, 1982.

He earned a bachelor of sacred theology in 1982 from Pontifical University of Sant’Anselmo in Rome. In 1988, he received a master of arts degree in counseling and psychotherapy from Catholic-run Rivier University in Nashua, New Hampshire.

In reflecting on his call to the priesthood, he said: “Although I always felt some sort of attraction to it, as I had for other career options, it was at 15 that the possibility of being ‘called’ dawned on me. A few young men in my home parish left home to enter the seminary, and that impacted me. However, I went on building my life until, at 21 and 22, the ‘vocational

restlessness’ grew to an unbearable level.

I had to do something.”

Somasca, the place where St. Jerome Emiliani organized the first community of followers of the Somascan Order, is located approximately six miles from Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro’s hometown.

“Somasca is a place of pilgrimage, to which devotees to the saint come from the surrounding area — the most famous being the little boy Giuseppe Roncalli, now St. John XXIII,” he said. “I would bike with my cousins to Somasca … but I didn’t know about the Somascans as a boy.”

“During my discernment, however, a very good friend of mine, one of those who had left home years earlier,” he said, “became very persistent in telling me

that I needed to make a decision about my vocation. He was with the Somascan Fathers. Well, in the end, I knocked at that door, and it opened.”

He encourages the faithful to “be not afraid” when discerning a vocation and to make sure that they have a “significant connection” with the poor.

“Without it, there is no true discernment and indeed, no true Christian vocation,” he said. “There is nothing to be afraid of in taking some chances and making the first step. As long as you make some steps, you’ll find and discover yourself — and that is our vocation: To live a life of complete, total dedication to God.” † - Catholic News Service contributed to this article

Bishop Michael Mulvey and the People of the Diocese of Corpus Christi

DIOCESE OF

CORPUS CHRISTI

congratulate Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, c.r.s.

on his Episcopal Ordination as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston May Mary Mother of the Church accompany Bishop Dell’Oro in his ministry to the People of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston

JUNE 29, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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The roots of Catholic faith begin with family

BY JONAH DYCUS • TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

Bishop-Elect Italo Dell’Oro’s sisters recall their time growing up in Italy HOUSTON — Bishop-Elect Italo Dell’Oro was born in Malgrate and grew up in Valmadrera, Italy, the same hometown of his late, beloved parents Guiseppe and Silene (Crippa) Dell’Oro. The 68-year-old priest remembers his family being one of the first to build a house in their community.

“That’s a beautiful memory that I have, my parents in general and my dad in particular,” he said. “They made a lot of sacrifices to build a house. To have a small house with a little garden, that was something. It was beautiful. I was always aware that we were limited in terms of money as I was growing up. But we had what we needed.”

The bishop-elect’s childhood memories are also steeped in time shared with family and loved ones near the pristine waters of Lake Como and the majestic Alps.

“That is something that I remember fondly, going with family and friends up to the Alps nearby,” he said.“You travel an hour-and-a-half, and you are there. At the same time, we’d go hiking nearby.”

The Somascan priest shared the house and many of these experiences with his parents and two sisters, Michela and Edvige (Edy). Both siblings provided comments via email with the Texas Catholic Herald about their brother — the middle child and a bishop-to-be — and their late parents.

“My parents loved traveling, and they were adventurous: the five of us would leave in our small Bianchina (Fiat 500) and away we would go, often to Switzerland together with a couple of cousins who would follow us on their motorbike,” Edy, 62, said. “We spent the night in a zimmer (room) and during the day, we visited various places and had picnics on the meadows. Thinking about this makes me smile… those were lovely times.”

During the holidays and sometimes on weekends, Michela and Italo would trek off on their own.“We left with our parents and our ‘baby sister’ to go visit various towns or to hike on the mountains, sometimes with family friends,” Michela, 70, said. “In any case, the mountains were our favorite destination, perhaps also because Valmadrera is literally

PHOTOS BY BISHOP-ELECT ITALO DELL’ORO

Above, Bishop-Elect Italo Dell’Oro visits a scenic vista with sisters Edy (left) and Michela (right). At right and above, a young Italo is seen with his sisters. Below, Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro’s parents Guiseppe and Silene (Crippa) Dell’Oro pause for a photo.

surrounded by them.”

The bishop-elect said his father had a motorcycle, but the family often times would travel down to the lake by bicycle with friends who also had children similar in age. “It was very nice,” he said. “When it was four of us (before Edy was born), I would ride on my mother’s bicycle, and my older sister would be on my dad’s bicycle.”

A n o t h e r influential mode of transport entered the Dell’Oros’ lives was when the family bought a used Fiat 500.

“That’s why I have a 500,” the bishop-elect said.

“It’s part of who I am.”

Many years later, both sisters were elated when they received the news in May that their brother was appointed an auxiliary bishop

by Pope Francis.

“When I heard about my brother’s appointment,” Edy said, “I felt happy and proud.”

Michela said she was “overwhelmed by an intense emotion” when receiving the news. “I was almost in disbelief,” she said.

“Then I thought about our parents, about how full of joy they would have been, and how proud … ‘Their son a Bishop!’”

Six years younger than her brother (the “baby of the family”), Edy recalls playing See FAMILY, page 12

Congratulations and Blessings

To Bishop Italo Dell’Oro and the Faithful of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

F B J S   F  C   D  T

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From Valmadrera to Houston with love FAMILY, from page 11 catch with Italo inside and outside their house when they were growing up.

“He used to win because he was older,” but when games would continue not going in her favor, “I would run to my parents, and they would take my side, of course.”

Michela described her brother as a “little rascal” as a child, “but when he grew up, at school, he was very good, always interested and diligent although still with a unique personality,” she said.

“When we were teenagers, we shared a few interests, including hiking and climbing mountains: he was better than me; thus, he tried more demanding hikes.”

Edy said that each Sunday, their family went to the church all together to attend Holy Mass. “Our parents taught us to respect others, to follow the rules and to behave properly,” she said.

“Our parents taught us to be respectful towards people and things, instilling in us a sense of justice and equality,” Michela said.

The sisters did recognize their brother’s strong interest in participating in church activities growing up but did not anticipate his discernment to the priesthood.

“We frequented the youth group at the parish guided by Father Luigi, who at the time was a young assistant and today is a bishop as well (Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Luigi Stucchi of Milan); he nurtured Italo’s vocation,” Michela said. “My brother had followed (other)

PHOTO COURTESY OF BISHOP-ELECT ITALO DELL’ORO

Bishop Italo Dell’Oro’s parents, Silene and Guiseppe Dell’Oro, greet Pope John Paul II during a papal audience in November 2003.

teenagers as their catechists. The call to his vocation must have been very strong.”

“I hadn’t noticed his interest in the priesthood,” Edy said of her brother’s teenage years. “Of course, he spent a lot of time at the parish with the youth group, but several other boys did the same without necessarily entering the seminary afterwards. But his choice was

well pondered, and we were happy for it.

His happiness came first.”

The news of their brother leaving Italy for the United States in 1985 following his ordination in 1982 made for a difficult transition for his parents and sisters, but naturally, the family made every effort to be in contact with each other and spend experiences

together when schedules permit. (Their father Guiseppe died in 2009; their mother Silene died in 2011) “During the first years, we wrote each other letters in order to update each other about what happened here in Italy and there in the U.S.,” Edy said. “Afterwards, we started talking on the phone.

Whenever he had a chance to come visit us in Valmadrera, it was always cause for celebration.”

Before the pandemic, Michela said her brother would travel to Italy once a year. “Depending on his commitments, we try to keep in touch pretty frequently, sometimes just by text messages on WhatsApp,” Michela said. “We keep him informed about any news regarding friends and family and about what happens in Valmadrera.

Thankfully, we have the technology that allows us to see each other via video calls.”

The sisters are excited for their brother and the new adventure that awaits him as auxiliary bishop in Galveston-Houston.

“My brother is certainly a direct and determined person; if he accepts a commitment, he pursues it with all his energies. But he can also listen,” Michela said. “We will pray to ‘our’ Madonna of San Martino to help him and lead him in this new endeavor.”

Edy agrees that her brother possesses those traits and is certain “he will work with great determination in his new role as bishop,” she said. “If only our parents were alive, how happy they would be for him!” †

The clergy of the Northeast Deanery congratulate

Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S.

We present to Bishop Italo Dell’Oro our prayers and best wishes as he serves our Archdiocese as Auxiliary Bishop and serves the Church as Successor of the Apostles.

Fr. Italo Dell’Oro served as pastor of Assumption Church located in the Northeast Deanery and as dean of this deanery.

“La sapienza è figliola dell’esperienza.”

– Leonardo Da Vinci Fr. Larry Wilson

8th Grade Grads, Principal, Mrs. Agrella

Clergy of the Northeast Deanery of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

JUNE 29, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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Somascans praise their fellow religious brother now Bishop-Elect Italo Dell’Oro

BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA • TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

HOUSTON — When Somascan priests Father Italo Dell’Oro and Father Julian Gerosa flew together on the same flight from Italy to the United States in September of 1985, they wondered what awaited them both.

“Because of our previous work with youth in Italy, we were assigned together to Pine Haven Boys Center in New Hampshire, a residential treatment center for kids who had already experienced, in their short life, family and behavior problems,” Father Gerosa recalled recently.

But first, the two young priests had to go through the toils of learning English, earning a degree in order to work at the center, adjusting to a new culture and style of life and work, “like any immigrant,” Father Gerosa said.

“From religious brothers, we became friends. We spent our free time, because we could not work yet in the beginning, exploring New Hampshire, its mountains, lakes and forests. When we started working at the center, we shared the challenges, difficulties, successes, and disappointments in ministering to those abused, abandoned or institutionalized,” he remembered.

Now Father Gerosa, the local superior of the community of Somascan priests who staff Christ the King and Assumption Catholic Churches as their missions, praises the Vatican’s decision to promote Father Dell’Oro to bishop-elect with ordination on July 2.

“It is an honor for the Somascans to have one of their religious to be chosen to be a bishop. It is a clear acknowledgment of the good work the Somascans have done and continue to do for the Church in Houston, and, in particular, a deserved appreciation for the service Father Italo has continuously and personally provided to the Archdiocese in his offices of Ministry to Priests and Vicar for Clergy,” Father Gerosa said.

But the decision is also bittersweet, he shared.

“There is, however, a painful

IN BRIEF Origins of Somascan Fathers began in Italy and now worldwide

PHOTO COURTESY OF BISHOP-ELECT ITALO DELL’ORO

Then Father Italo Dell’Oro speaks during his first Mass on Sept. 12, 1982. At far left is Father Adelio Dell’Oro, Bishop-elect Dell’Oro’s cousin, and at far right is Father Luigi Stucchi, a close friend of Bishopelect Dell’Oro.

observation we have to make. The Somascans are losing a valuable, faithful and resourceful member, and I am going to miss his companionship after having sailed together in the U.S.A. for almost 30 years, most of which were in choppy waters,” Father Gerosa admits.

Then in 1992, their roads separated, and Father Dell’Oro was assigned to work at Assumption Church in Houston, while Father Gerosa stayed at Pine Haven.

“We kept in touch through meetings and visits. When I would come to Houston, he was eager to show all the aspects of his pastoral work. He was very happy to be working in a parish. His concern was to build up a community where Hispanics and Anglos could grow together in their faith and cooperate in harmony in the numerous activities of the parish,” he said.

Another Somascan priest, Father Albert Zanatta, now pastor at Assumption

Welcome

Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S. We wish you the best!

Most Reverend Patrick J. Zurek, Bishop of Amarillo and the Clergy, Religious, and Lay Faithful of the Diocese

Catholic Church off Airline Dr., also worked with Father Dell’Oro both in New Hampshire and in Houston. He agreed that the decision is a double-edged sword for the order.

“There are only a few of us (Somascans) here, and now one is gone practically speaking with six Somascans at two different parishes. But it’s good for the Church, and I know he’s very happy,” Father Zanatta said of the bishop-elect.

He also praised Father Dell‘Oro as being “very honest, dedicated, committed and very loyal.”

“When Father Dell’Oro became Minister to Priests and Vicar for Clergy in the Archdiocese, his true leadership role and listening ear became major pluses,” said Father Zanatta.

“You can count on him. He spent time with priests and made time for them, See SOMASCANS, page 14

Bishop-Elect Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S., of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is a member of the Somascan Fathers, which started in Italy and now have missions here in Houston and worldwide.

The local Somascans from Italy, Nigeria and India now minister at two Houston parishes, Assumption Catholic Church and Christ the King Catholic Church.

The Somascan Fathers, officially recognized as Clerics Regular of Somasca (C.R.S.) in 1568, continue the legacy of St. Jerome Emiliani in serving the poor and taking care of orphans and abandoned youth.

Following the example of Jesus and His disciples, members live in community sharing everything in common; they persevere united in prayer and work, strive for the perfection of charity in humility of heart, meekness and benignity, loving poverty and work, with the most ardent desire to attract and unite all people to God. With the same intense love of its founder, the congregation continues to devote itself to the material and spiritual care of orphans and the poor, undertaking the human and Christian education of youth and pastoral ministry.

The “Company of the Servants of the Poor” was founded in 1534 when Jerome Emiliani called together his collaborators and companions for a general assembly. In 1928, Pope Pius XI proclaimed him the Universal Patron of Orphans and Abandoned Youth.

For more information, visit www. somascans.org. †

Congratulations!

Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell'Oro, C.R.S.

14 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD Regis School Italo Dell'Oro Ad (Red Option).pdf

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PHOTO COURTESY OF BISHOP-ELECT ITALO DELL’ORO

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Then Father Italo Dell’Oro, at right, shares a meal at Assumption in 1994 with then Father Brendan Cahill, now Bishop Brendan J. Cahill of the Diocese of Victoria.

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SOMASCANS, from page 13 not just telling them what to do,” Father Zanatta said. “He’s a very pastoral person.”

Father Gerosa said his destiny with Father Dell’Oro came together again in 2001.

“At the newly assigned parish of Christ the King, the Somascans wanted to start a vocational formation program.

Father Italo was appointed vocations director, and I was the formator. As a team, we worked and lived together for several years. Father Italo was the right person for that ministry that he designed and carried out tirelessly,” he said.

When he became Minister to Priests and Vicar for Clergy in the Archdiocese, Father Dell’Oro’s “journey started to show the dawn of what became a reality recently: new Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese. He always loved his work with priests and the Archdiocese,” Father Gerosa said.

“I can say that becoming bishop was the inevitable development of his work, his acquired experience and professionalism, and aspiration, not in the sense of a career, but as a natural blossoming of a ministry well done that was recognized as a service to the priests and the people of the Archdiocese,” Father Gerosa acknowledged. †

Congratulations!

To Auxiliary Bishop-elect Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S. Dear Bishop-Elect Italo Dell’Oro,

From Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop Emeritus Eusebius J. Beltran, Clergy, Religious and the Faithful of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

On behalf of the Missionary Society of St. Paul, American Region, I send you our goodwill and congratulations on your appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. We join your numerous friends and the good people of the Archdiocese to rejoice with you on this happy occasion.

I am convinced that your appointment as Auxiliary Bishop is an indication of greater prospects for the American Church in the evangelization of the people. It is also my hope and wish that when the celebrations are over, you may be renewed and strengthened with even greater faith and trust in the Lord, who invites his disciples to “out out into the deep.” (Novo Millinnio Inuente No. 1) May the road rise before you, as you continue with the task the Church has entrusted to you. Wishing you ever grace and God’s choicest blessings. Once again, congratulations!

Fraternally yours in Christ,

Very Rev. Ambrose Akinwande, MSP Regional Superior, Missionary Society of St. Paul - American Region

JUNE 29, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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Peers, colleagues rejoice in new appointment

BY JONAH DYCUS • TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD HOUSTON — Deacon Phillip Jackson vividly remembers opening the email message announcing that Father Italo Dell’Oro had been named the next auxiliary bishop of Galveston-Houston.

“A big smile came over my face,” recalls Deacon Jackson, the director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate.

“The words that came to mind were those from the Rite of Infant Baptism, ‘the Church of God receives you with great joy.’ The Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston receives you with great joy!

Wow! What a blessing!”

It was a sentiment shared by many around the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston, including those in the chancery system. Besides serving the local Church for almost 30 years, Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro has been director of the Secretariat of Clergy Formation and Chaplaincy Services since 2015.

“We have worked closely together on many projects. Anyone who has met, worked or served with now-Bishop-Elect Italo saw a man who always has a smile on his face,” Deacon Jackson said. “He is a man who is a joyful priest, and he will bring that joy to his new role as auxiliary bishop. Bishop-Elect Italo says he wants to share the Gospel of Hope. When you live the Gospel of Hope, you can’t help but have joy in your heart and a smile on your face.”

“Bishop-elect Italo, ‘the Church of God receives you with great joy!’”

Father Norbert Maduzia Jr., a co-chair of the Ongoing Formation of Priests and pastor of St. Ignatius of Loyola in Spring, said Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro has been a dedicated servant to his brother priests, “seeking out the good that challenges and inspires priestly zeal.”

“Bishop Italo is always able to spur on deeper thought and conversation on how our brother priests can best be served in ongoing formation,” Father Maduzia said.

“His insightful suggestions allow for a practical way to discern the needs of our brothers, to deepen their commitment to the pastoral care of their parishioners and a deepened commitment to ministry.”

Father Sean Horrigan said the bishopelect always strived to accommodate and support the priests of the Archdiocese.

“He was instrumental in helping our committee revive the New Priests

“He is a man who is a joyful priest... When you live the Gospel of Hope, you can’t help but have joy in your heart and a smile on your face.”

DEACON PHILLIP JACKSON

DIRECTOR OF THE ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE OF THE PERMANENT DIACONATE

PHOTO BY BISHOP-ELECT ITALO DELL’ORO

Then Father Italo Dell’Oro celebrates Mass for parish youth at an outdoor confirmation retreat for Assumption parish, circa 1994.

Orientation Program that we conduct each year for those priests who are beginning their ministry in our local Church, whether they are newly ordained or recently assigned here by their respective religious order,” said Father Horrigan, Ongoing Formation of Priests co-chair and pastor of Christ the Redeemer Church. “He has championed a sense of inclusion so that those who serve here have a sense of the history of our Archdiocese, those whose shoulders we stand on, and an orientation to serve the people of God.” Auxiliary Bishop Greg Kelly of Dallas has seen the bishop-elect’s commitment to serving clergy firsthand in their many interactions over the years.

“What always comes through in his words and actions is a joyful spirit and a willingness to do anything he can do to help others, especially his brother priests,” Bishop Kelly said. “Coming from another country himself, he has been especially attentive to the needs of international priests serving in the Archdiocese, helping them to feel at home and ready to

serve in a different culture. He will bring this joy and enthusiastic willingness to serve the Lord and his people to his episcopal ministry.”

Father Horrigan said the Somascan priest brings a unique perspective to our local Church as “one who, like so many of the 1.7 million Catholics who call the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston home, was born elsewhere but who came to minister to any and all entrusted to his pastoral care.”

Though after 30 years of living and serving in Galveston-Houston, Father Horrigan said the bishop-elect “seems to be right at home. I think he’s lived here longer than anywhere in his life, so though he still carries his Italian accent, it’s picked up a little bit of a Texas twang along the way.”

Deacon Alvin Lovelady, Correctional Ministries director, said he has great respect for the bishop-elect’s “matter of fact” way of reaching decisions.

“He is there for me whenever I need advice or matters resolved,” Deacon Lovelady said. “Now is the time for all

of us to receive the blessings and graces that will come from the elevation of Father Italo Dell’Oro to bishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. God bless you, Father Italo. Thank you for saying yes!”

Father Reginald Samuels, vicar for Catholics of African Descent and pastor at St. Hyacinth Church in Deer Park, said the bishop-elect has been a great advocate for the various Catholic communities in the Archdiocese. “I am looking forward to working with Bishop-Elect Italo, in his capacity as auxiliary bishop, in helping to address the needs and bring awareness to the issues that affect the Catholic community of African descent,” he said.

Father Jan Kubisa, Port of Houston chaplain, also expressed his gratitude on Father Dell’Oro’s appointment to bishop. “We are very excited about the news,” Father Kubisa said. “We have appreciated all of his assistance with port chaplaincy.”

Karen Parsons, OFS, who retired last year after serving several decades as a port chaplain in Galveston for the Archdiocese, said her reaction to the news of the bishop-elect’s appointment was “one of joy for him and one of amazement for me. He is the third priest who was my supervisor who became a bishop.”

In the role of Secretariat of Clergy Formation and Chaplaincy Services See ARCHDIOCESE, page 17

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16 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JUNE 29, 2021

JUNE 29, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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A ‘good heart’ guides Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro’s ministries ARCHDIOCESE, from page 15 director, Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro was preceded by Bishop Brendan Cahill of Victoria and Bishop George A. Sheltz in Galveston-Houston.

Parsons said that “right from the start, (Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro was) truly interested in my port ministry in the Ports of Galveston and Texas City. He listened attentively to my reports and always encouraged me to keep up the good work. During the pandemic, he approved of my shift from on-board ministry to correspondence ministry at the height of the outbreak. There was never a downtime in my ministry, and he appreciated my efforts to keep the mission going.”

The retired port chaplain added that the bishop-elect “has a good heart and a light sense of humor. I will be praying for him to get enough rest and be able to serve our Archdiocese well.”

Hilda Ochoa, the Mission Office director, said she is delighted to join the local faithful in congratulating Bishop-Elect Italo Dell’Oro as the new auxiliary bishop.

“From a ‘mission’ point of view, I am particularly grateful for his wise leadership and his zeal for the Kingdom of Christ during these past five years,” she said. “I am sure he will use his many talents, gifts and experience with generosity and faithfulness as he continues to serve God in his new position. The Mission Office and our local missionary community wish him abundant blessings and continued prayers for a fruitful ministry in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston for many years to come.”

While excited about the news of Father Dell’Oro being named auxiliary bishop, Catholic Chaplain Corps (CCC)

PHOTO BY BISHOP-ELECT ITALO DELL’ORO

Then Father Italo Dell’Oro pauses during a vocational ministry gathering for a portrait. Longtime Archdiocesan ministry leaders lauded Bishop Dell’Oro’s appointment as the Archdiocese’s newest auxiliary bishop.

Director Denice Foose said that the announcement was a mixed blessing for her ministry.

“As Secretariat of Clergy Formation and Chaplaincy Services director, he has provided invaluable leadership to the CCC, and his support has enabled the mission of this vital ministry to advance in remarkable ways,” she said. “We are indebted to him and will certainly miss his pastoral leadership, in addition to his warmth and genuine respect for persons. His low-key personality belies strength and confidence. Still waters run deep.”

Foose said Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro has been a strong advocate for the CCC’s ministry and team members.

“He has actively supported the CCC priests in their specialized ministry in hospital settings,” she said, adding that the bishop-elect embraced the creation of the strategic lay chaplain position and “each colleague in this unique ministry of direct patient care and coordination of sacramental coverage.”

“Moreover, he has empowered the pastoral care ministry of trained Catholic laypersons, called pastoral visitors,” she said.

Through his advocacy of these CCC ministries, “the Archdiocese’s outreach to Catholic patients, their families and healthcare professionals has been significantly enhanced,” Foose said. “His support of the administrative leadership of the CCC has been exceedingly strong and generous.”

Foose said she and the CCC rejoice knowing BishopElect Dell’Oro will remain in the Archdiocese and will further advance God’s kingdom from his new position.

“Thank you, Father Italo, for strengthening our faith and empowering all of us to further the mission of the Church and spread the love of Christ.” †

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Bishop-Elect Italo and the faith lived in our town

BY LUIGI CRIMELLA • SPECIAL TO THE HERALD Our friend Italo Dell’Oro, today a bishop in the United States, had a “beautiful journey” indeed — human, religious, and spiritual.

As every other little boy in Valmadrera, Italo attended the usual schools of that time — elementary and middle schools in town, then the “Badoni” high school in Lecco.

He demonstrated a solid and strong character at a young age while also being reserved, helpful, quiet and thoughtful.

These characteristics gradually improved as he entered the religious community of St. Jerome’s “Somascan” Fathers and subsequently moved to the United States, at first to work in New Hampshire with young people in difficult circumstances, and later on to serve as priest of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

His friends “conscripts of 1953” were always happy to see him in Valmadrera: during his brief visits to Italy, he not only spent time with his family, but he also made sure to meet his classmates and his old friends from the parish.

Even those who weren’t particularly “religious” were happy to attend the special Mass that he offered in San Martino. We would go eat pizza together afterward while Italo, discreetly and humbly, would tell us something about his American mission, and, most of all, he would inquire about each and every

“Italo is — spiritually — ‘son’ of the long journey within the Church of the community of Valmadrera.

Over the course of the last few centuries, hundreds of men and women left Valmadrera to devote themselves completely to the service of God as priests, nuns and missionaries.”

PHOTO BY BISHOP-ELECT ITALO DELL’ORO

Father Italo Dell’Oro celebrating Mass in the mountains near Valmadrera, circa 1996.

one of us.

We want to offer an outline of some elements of his spirituality. This is only an attempt as Italo has been totally absorbed for the last 35 years in his service to the Catholic communities of the U.S. Personally, I had just a few occasions to talk at length with him during all these years. However, precisely starting from his long and faithful path serving the

From the pastoral leadership team, the staff, parishioners and volunteers at

Sts. Simon & Jude The Woodlands

Prayers & Congratulations

Bishop-elect Dell-Oro! on your appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of the

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Fr. Pat Garrett, Pastor Rev. John Devlin

Fr. Kailas Hivale, Parochial Vicar Rev. Thomas Rayen

Dcn. Tony Catania, Dcn. John Charnisky, Dcn. Joe Mignogna Dcn. Dennis Carazza, Dcn. Kenneth Stanley

Church, we learn the first element: at the bottom of his answer to the “call” to follow Jesus and to devote his whole life to Him, there was a great and courageous “bet:” to be a true man of God, in the real sense of the word.

Through our conversations with him and through his homilies, we understood that for him, it was important and crucial not only to be faithful to the task asked

of him in the present but also to ask his brothers and sisters in the Catholic faith to do the same in their own circumstances: as spouses, workers, parents, business people, social workers and politicians.

The more time he spent in the U.S., the more Italo showed a kind of “enculturation” in the American concept of faith and of religious organization, where parishes are strong and functional.

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“The Magnificent Seven,” at right, compete on Italian television. The author Luigi Crimella is seen at center, back row.

At far right, the seven gather for a group photo. Crimella is seen, second from right, in the top row.

But he never forgot his origins in Valmadrera, the simple and generous Marian spirituality of his town at the foot of the shrine of the Madonna of San Martino, and the creativity and welcoming disposition of the Somascan charism.

Although very smart and capable in his studies and his work, which he abandoned to enter the seminary when he was 22, Italo was always humble about his intellectual dimension and never showed it off.

On the contrary, he was always simple and concrete, and he emphasized the value of daily life where “true” theology is manifested in the care towards the people we get in contact with, in the direct and fruitful response to the needs of the people, either spiritual, or personal, or social, especially the needs of the young and the fragile.

If I had to summarize in a single phrase what kind of priest Italo has been, and if I could predict his character as bishop, I’d say that I expect a concrete, incisive and efficient episcopal service

characterized by a great sense for realism on one side and of prophecy on the other, in communion with his superior and with the hierarchy of the whole Church.

I have always thought highly of Italo for these peculiar, personal traits that have characterized him from a young age and developed through his engagements and services.

In my job as a journalist in Rome, I have been able to meet and interview several bishops of the Italian Episcopal Conference, but, of course, having a friend bishop like him, of my own age and from my own town, fills me with a sense of wholeness and brings me to the last element I wish to point out.

Italo is — spiritually — “son” of the long journey within the Church of the community of Valmadrera. Over the course of the last few centuries, hundreds of men and women left Valmadrera to devote themselves completely to the service of God as priests, nuns and

missionaries.

However, among those who stayed in town, several other faithful fathers and mothers lived and witnessed a true and strong, simple and fruitful faith.

If among these we had Bishop Bernardo Citterio, his assistant and now Bishop Luigi Stucchi, and today Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, this is due to a spirituality that can be recognized as “mother” of the

people’s faith.

I am certain that Bishop-Elect Italo will always be grateful towards his town of Valmadrera and the faith that he experienced in our town from an early age. † Luigi Crimella is an Italian journalist and longtime friend of Bishop-Elect Italo Dell’Oro.

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“THAT IS OUR VOCA COMPLETE, TOTAL

- BISHOP-ELECT ITA

JUNE 29, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

texas catholic herald

ATION: TO LIVE A LIFE OF L DEDICATION TO GOD”

ALO DELL’ORO, CRS -

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BISHOP-ELECT ITALO DELL’ORO

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THE SOMASCAN PRAYER Our sweet Father, Lord Jesus Christ, we pray that, in your infinite goodness, you reform the Christian people to the holiness of the time of the apostles.

Hear us, merciful and gracious Lord, and in your infinite tenderness, turn your eyes toward us.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on us.

May the power of God the Father, the wisdom of the Son, the strength of the Holy Spirit, and the glorious Virgin Mary, guide and defend me on the way toward peace, love and prosperity. The angel Raphael, who remained with Tobias, be with me everywhere I stay and everywhere I go.

O good Jesus, o good Jesus, o good Jesus, my love and my God, I trust in you; may I not be confounded. Amen.

– St. Jerome Emiliani

texas catholic herald

LA ORACION DE LOS SOMASCOS

LA PREGHIERA DEL SOMASCHI

Dulce Padre nuestro Señor Jesucristo, te rogamos por tu infinita bondad que reformes al pueblo cristiano según aquel estado de santidad que tuvo en tiempo de tus apóstoles.

Escúchanos, Señor, porque benigna es tu misericordia y en tu inmensa ternura vuélvete hacia nosotros.

Señor Jesucristo, Hijo del Dios vivo, ten piedad de nosotros.

Por el camino de la paz, de la caridad y de la prosperidad me guíe y me defienda el poder de Dios Padre, la sabiduría del Hijo y la fuerza del Espíritu Santo y la gloriosa Virgen María. El ángel Rafael, que estuvo siempre con Tobías, esté también conmigo en todo lugar y camino. ¡Oh buen Jesús, oh buen Jesús, oh buen Jesús, amor mío y Dios mío, en ti confío, no quede yo confundido! Amen.

Dolce padre nostro Signore Gesù Cristo, ti preghiamo per la tua infinita bontà di riformare il popolo cristiano a quello stato di santità, che fu al tempo degli apostoli.

Ascoltaci, o Signore, perché benigna è la tua misericordia e nella tua immensa tenerezza volgiti verso di noi.

Signore Gesù Cristo, figlio del Dio vivo, abbi pietà di noi.

Nella via della pace, della carità e della prosperità mi guidi e mi difenda la potenza di Dio Padre, la sapienza del figlio e la forza dello Spirito Santo e la gloriosa Vergine Maria. L’angelo Raffaele che era sempre con Tobia sia anche con me in ogni luogo e via.

O Gesù buono, o Gesù buono, o Gesù buono, amore mio e Dio mio, in te confido io non sia confuso. Amen.

– San Girolamo Emiliani

– San Girolamo Emiliani

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24 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

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DEEP CALLS OUT TO DEEP

The history of a coat of arms

BY CATHERINE VIOLA • TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD ai162325667634_Del Oro 1 - REV 3 -6 June FINAL APPROVED 7 June 2021.pdf 1 6/9/2021 12:37:56 PM

HOUSTON — The personal coat of arms of the Most Reverend Italo Dell’Oro represents his heritage, his Houston ties and his ministry in the priesthood.

WHAT IS A COAT OF ARMS? HOUSTON — Heraldry may seem like an outdated practice, evoking images of castles, knights and ladies.

The coat of arms was first developed and used in medieval times as a way of identifying families, individuals or clerics.

In many ways, a coat of arms is like an intricate logo, used to help brand a person or family and give some insight to who they are and where they came from.

Historic family shields contained many images including swords, animals, stars, shapes, plants and other symbols.

Ecclesiastical heraldry serves a similar purpose. It’s a quick way to identify bishops and cardinals.

AROUND THE SHIELD There are several decorative elements around the shield itself that comprise the coat of arms.

These items include the ecclesiastical hat, cross, tassels and motto.

The use of an ecclesiastical hat on a coat of arms probably originated with the red hats worn by cardinals as vestments starting in 1245.

Catholic cardinals have red hats and tassels atop their shields while bishops have green hats.

The number of tassels is another indicator of rank or hierarchy. Bishops have six tassles, archbishops have 10 tassles and cardinals have 15.

A cross is incorporated as well to identify bishops as Christian leaders and as imitators of Christ.

A motto, usually of the bishop or cardinal’s choosing, is included on a ribbon under the shield. This is a statement chosen by the bishop that speaks strongly to his beliefs.

Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro’s motto is “Abyssus Abyssum Vocat,” which translates from Latin to: “Deep calls out to deep.”

THE SHIELD The shield itself is the heart of the coat of arms. These are unique to each bishop and usually include symbols which “tell the story” of that individual.

Symbols vary greatly with each individual but may speak to his interests, background or former service.

Bishop Dell’Oro’s shield is a good example of this. The design elements on his shield echo his life as an Italianturned-Texan and reflect his Somascan formation, education and background. † - Catherine Viola

Bishop Michael J. Sis and the people of the Diocese of San Angelo congratulate Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S., on his ordination as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

JUNE 29, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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DEEP CALLS OUT TO DEEP

A closer look at Bishop Dell’Oro’s coat of arms

BY GERALDINE M. ROHLING • SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

HOUSTON — Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, envisioned his personal coat of arms as a statement of faith and heritage, both of which have their beginnings in his hometown of Valmadrera, Italy.

Situated along Lake Como,Valmadrera is nestled at the foot of the Grigna Mountains, part of the Bergamo Alps, near the province of Lecco, in the region of Lombardy, northern Italy.

The Grignetta, the queen mountain of Lecco, is the southern peak of the Grigna massif and is the dominant element of this coat of arms. It is the Grignetta and the waters of Lake Como that have nurtured and fortified the life and spirituality of the Dell‘Oro family for generations.

Placed on a field of silver (white), the Grignetta is in green, a color associated with faith, loyalty, and eternity (“ever green”). In this rendering, white is used in place of silver. This is a common practice in heraldry that began as a solution to the problems created by the tarnishing of silver. Though the term “silver” or “Argent” is still used, it is depicted in white. In heraldry, silver and white are, in effect, one and the same.

In the teachings of the mystics and in Sacred Scripture, the mountain represents the point of contact between heaven and earth.

This is visually portrayed by the use of the colors silver, one of the two Heavenly Attributes, and green.

For a young Italo Dell’Oro, an avid rock climber and mountaineer, the Grignetta was an early meeting place between heaven and earth. The mountain is also a symbol of the steadfast love of God that nurtured Italo in his formative years and continues to sustain him in his priestly ministry.

Similarly, it is a reminder of the ministry of Peter (Petros), the rock (petra) upon which Jesus built his Church and to whom Jesus entrusted the keys to the kingdom and the governance of the Church (cf. Matthew 16: 16-19).

Born and raised in the shadow of the Grignetta, the symbol of the mountain is central to the personal life of Bishop Dell’Oro, and to his faith and his vocation to the Church.

Surmounting the Grignetta is a gold “Cross of Calvary.” Gold is the other symbolic Heavenly Attribute and is the most precious of metals. The diagonal position suggests that the cross is being carried by Jesus on his way to Calvary.

This is the emblem of the “Company of the Servants of the Poor” or the Somascan

Fathers, founded by Saint Jerome Emiliani, whose greatest desire it was to follow the way of the Crucified and to imitate the Christ. Bishop Dell’Oro is a professed member of this community.

Like Saint Jerome, he endeavors to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, embracing those who are suffering, showing mercy to those who are orphaned or abandoned.

At the top of the shield (chief) is an embattled red band. Red signifies the region of Lombardy and the embattlement refers to the perimeter wall of the Castello dell’Innominato (Castle of the Unnamed), which dates back to the Carolingian period.

The remnants of the castle, which was destroyed by war, is mentioned in Promessi sposi (The Betrothed)

by Alessandro Manzoni, a book favored

by Pope Francis and by Bishop Dell’Oro. In the sixteenth century, the Somascan founder Jerome Emiliani converted part of this fortress into a home for orphans.

In the center of the red band is a jeweled gold crown of Lombardy. It is a symbol for the crowned 15th century painting of the Madonna del Latte (Nursing Madonna), a much-venerated image housed in the Shrine of San Martino in Valmadrera, known well to the Dell’Oro family. The Lombardy crown is flanked by two rosa mystica.

The “mystical rose,” the perfect flower of God’s spiritual creation, represents Mary under her title of the Immaculate Conception.

From the start, she was perfect in her sweetness and beauty: “full of grace.”

These two roses represent the patroness of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and of the cathedral in Galveston. It is worth noting that the thorns or leaves of the rose form a five-point star, similar to the star of Texas.

At the base of the shield, below the mountain is the wavy blue water of Lake Como, the source of life in the mountains.

It also represents the waters of baptism, the source of life in the Church. Atop the blue water rippling from the foot of the cross and of the mountain is a current of gold.

Like the play on the name of Peter/ petra in the Gospel of Matthew, this ripple is a play on the family name “Dell’Oro,” which, in Italian means “of the gold.”

This ripple represents the life of Bishop Dell’Oro that began with the saving act of Christ on the cross and the waters of baptism. During its course, it flows from his home and family, to his life with the

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For a young Italo Dell’Oro, an avid rock climber and mountaineer, the Grignetta was an early meeting place between heaven and earth. The mountain is also a symbol of the steadfast love of God that nurtured Italo in his formative years and continues to sustain him in his priestly ministry.

Somascan Fathers. As the ripple moves forward, it represents Bishop Dell’Oro leaving the mountains of northern Italy, crossing the waters of the Atlantic to the United States, and coming to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Above the shield is the episcopal cross of a bishop; it has one transverse arm. It may be jeweled or plain. Bishop Dell’Oro chose a plain gold cross bottonnée, which

has three lobes, like the trefoil leaf, at the end of each arm.

This is in deference to a gold cross given by Pope Benedict XVI to Cardinal DiNardo who donated it then to Father Dell’Oro. Surmounting the entire achievement is the galero or “hat of the pilgrim.” It is an emblem used in heraldry for prelates and priests of the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church. The distinction of rank is defined by the color of the hat and the number of tassels.

The galero of a bishop is shown in green with twelve tassels or fiocchi pendent, six suspended on each side.

The motto of Bishop Italo Dell’Oro is taken from Psalm 42: 8, “Abyssus Abyssum Vocat” or “Deep calls to Deep.”

The psalmist, who may have lived near the Jordan River, is speaking of the strength and depth of one wave “calling” to another; as if one part of the “deep” is speaking to the other. This is a conversation of faith and fidelity that is known to those who have lived near “deep water” since birth. † Geraldine M. Rohling, PhD, MAEd is the Archivist and Curator for the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC.

Congratulations

Bishop-elect Dell’Oro! We are so happy for you and for all of us as you continue to share your gifts throughout the Archdiocese!

God’s face shines upon you!

Corpus Christi Catholic Church

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JUNE 29, 2021

A Bishop’s FAQ: Explaining the terminology TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF REPORT

From crosier to zucchetto, here’s what you need to know HOUSTON — A life of a bishop is filled with words that aren’t always used in every day conversation.

► AUXILIARY BISHOP

• An auxiliary bishop is an assistant to the arch/bishop of the diocese to which they are assigned. Generally, their responsibilities are defined by the arch/bishop. Auxiliary bishops are assigned “Titular” Sees, which are historical dioceses that are no longer in existence.

► BIRETTA

• A purple, squareshaped hat with silk trim and tuft and three ridges across the crown.

► BISHOP

• Bishops are named by the pope and by way of special ordination receive what the Church calls “the fullness of the priesthood.”

Bishop is the highest order of ordained

ministry in the Catholic Church. A bishop heads the diocese and may be assisted by auxiliary bishops.

► CASSOCK

• A purple, floor-length garment with red cuffs on the sleeves. The Roman style has 33 buttons (symbolic of the years of the life of Jesus). Cardinals and bishops also have a “house cassock” that is black with red or purple piping, worn for non-liturgical occasions.

►COADJUTOR BISHOP

• A coadjutor bishop is a bishop who is appointed to a diocese while the bishop of that diocese is still in office. The coadjutor bishop automatically becomes head of the diocese upon the death or retirement of its bishop. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo was the Bishop of Sioux City when he was appointed Coadjutor bishop to Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza in 2004.

► CLERICAL COLLAR

• A white, detachable collar worn by all ranks of clergy: bishops, priests, deacons and brothers.

► CROSIER

• Also called a pastoral staff, the crosier, about five to six feet in length, is a hooked staff that signifies his office as bishop and chief shepherd of his people. Often handcarved and made of wood or metal, they are unique to each bishop, the crosier often reflects his personality and spirituality. Bishop Dell'Oro's wooden crosier, seen at right, features an intricate carving below the curved hook.

► EPISCOPAL RING

• A bishop’s ring is the symbol of his espousal to the Church. Pictured at left, is a close-up of Bishop-elect Dell’Oro’s ring.

► GALVESTON-HOUSTON BISHOPS

• Bishop-elect Dell’Oro will be the eighth auxiliary bishop ordained for the GalvestonHouston Archdiocese since its establishment in 1847.

• Cardinal Daniel DiNardo has been the Archbishop, or chief shepherd, of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston since 2006.

• Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza was the chief shepherd of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston from 1985 until his retirement in 2006.

• Auxiliary Bishop Vincent M. Rizzotto served as an auxiliary bishop from 2001 until his retirement in 2006 and death in 2021.

• Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz served as an auxiliary bishop from 2012 until his retirement in 2021.

► MITER

• In the opening procession and at other times during the liturgy the bishop wears a miter, a tall, peaked, folding cap with two lappets, short cloth strips, or tails, attached to the back panel. While the miter is ordinarily made of linen or silk, it may have gold or silver bands or embroidery embellishing it.

Normally, it is white.

► MOZETTA

• A short, shoulder cape worn by bishops over their choir cassock and rochet in choir dress.

It is made of the same material and color as the cassock.

► PECTORAL CROSS

• A cross, worn around the neck and suspended by either a green and gold cord when wearing liturgical vestments or on a chain and placed in the jacket pocket in daily clerical clothing. Cardinal DiNardo gifted Bishop Dell’Oro a gold pectoral cross that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI gave to Cardinal DiNardo.

► ROCHET

• A knee-length, pleated white vestment worn over the cassock and made of linen or similar material.

► SUCARDA

• The titular see (diocese) of Bishop-elect Dell’Oro. Sucarda, in what is now Algeria, is an ancient episcopal see of the Roman province of Mauritania Cesariense and had three known bishops.

► TITULAR BISHOP

• Every bishop is assigned a diocese. Bishops who are not the ordinary – or chief shepherd – of a diocese are assigned a “Titular See.”

► TITULAR SEE

• A historical diocese no longer in existence.

Bishop-elect Dell’Oro has been named Titular Bishop of Sucarda.

► ZUCCHETTO

• The bishop wears a purple zucchetto, a small skull cap like the yarmulke. If the bishop is a cardinal, his zucchetto is red. If he is the pope, it is white.

Source: USCCB, Herald file reports

JUNE 29, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

A

texas catholic herald

Good Shepherd lays down

his life for the sheep — John 10:11

O

n the occasion of his episcopal ordination and installation, prayers and best wishes

for Bishop-elect Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S., and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston from the priests, deacons, seminarians, consecrated religious, the faithful, and Bishop Michael F. Olson of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth.

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JUNE 29, 2021

The history of the bishops of the Archdiocese

BY LISA MAY • TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD HOUSTON — In an interesting parallel, the newest bishop named for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston will be the eighth auxiliary bishop to serve here, as Daniel Cardinal DiNardo is the eighth Ordinary, or archbishop, of the Archdiocese.

There have been four coadjutor bishops appointed over the past 174 years.

A coadjutor bishop has the automatic right of succession as Ordinary of the Diocese when the current bishop retires or passes away.

The first coadjutor bishop for our Archdiocese was Bishop Pierre Dufal, C.S.C., appointed in May 1878 during the administration of Bishop Claude Dubuis.

He had to resign the appointment for health reasons just two years later.

The other three coadjutor bishops succeeded as Ordinary in their turns: Bishop Wendelin Nold as the fifth Bishop of Galveston in 1950; Bishop John Morkovsky as the sixth Bishop of Galveston-Houston in 1975, and Cardinal DiNardo as the Archbishop of GalvestonHouston in 2006.

It was not until January of 1979 that the first auxiliary bishop was appointed to assist the Ordinary in the administration of the Diocese.

Father John McCarthy was a native son, born in Houston and a graduate of St. Mary’s Seminary.

He served in the Galveston-Houston Diocese until 1985, when he was transferred to become the Bishop of Austin. Bishop McCarthy remained in the Austin diocese until his death in August

Bishop John McCarthy 1979 - 1985

Bishop Enrique San Pedro, SJ 1986 - 1989

Bishop Curtis Guillory 1987 - 2000

Bishop James Tamayo 1993 - 2000

Bishop Joseph Vasquez 2001- 2010

Bishop Vincent M. Rizzotto 2001 - 2006

Bishop George A. Sheltz 2006 - 2021

Bishop Italo Dell’Oro 2021 - Present

2018.

Soon after his transfer, Father Enrique San Pedro, S.J., was named an auxiliary bishop in March 1986.

A native of Cuba and a Jesuit priest, he

was assigned to seminaries in Vietnam, the Dominican Republic and the Fiji Islands before coming to GalvestonHouston.

After five years of service here, he

was named the Bishop of Brownsville in August 1989. Bishop San Pedro died in Brownsville in July 1994.

See BISHOPS, page 29

Welcome and Congratulations Auxiliary Bishop-elect Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S. For nearly 30 years, Fr. Dell’Oro has served as a faithful shepherd for the Archdiocese.

We are grateful for his continued spiritual support, leadership and advocacy for the poor and vulnerable in our community. Together, we are the hands and feet of Christ.

People of Faith. Helping People in Need.

A United Way Agency

JUNE 29, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

BISHOPS, from page 28 The third auxiliary bishop named for the Diocese was Father Curtis Guillory, S.V.D. Then-Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, the Ordinary, stated that his appointment in December 1987 recognized “the very significant contribution Black Catholics have made to the life of the Church in these parts.”

Bishop Guillory was named the Bishop of Beaumont in June 2000 after 13 years of service in the Diocese. His retirement as Ordinary of the Beaumont diocese came last year, in June 2020.

Monsignor James Tamayo, a priest of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, was appointed the fourth auxiliary bishop for Galveston-Houston in January 1993.

A graduate of the University of St. Thomas and St. Mary’s Seminary, he served in the Diocese until his appointment as the first bishop of the newly created Diocese of Laredo in July 2000.

Laredo was the 15th diocese established in Texas; one of 14 “daughter” dioceses separated over the years from the original Diocese of Galveston.

Having lost two auxiliary bishops to new appointments in 2000, the Diocese waited a year for its next, Father Joe Vasquez, a priest of the Diocese of San

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Angelo.

His appointment came in November 2001, which then-Bishop Fiorenza described as “an early Christmas gift.” He was named the fifth Bishop of Austin in 2010, the fourth bishop of that diocese to serve first in Galveston-Houston.

Another native Houstonian, Monsignor Vincent M. Rizzotto, was named our sixth auxiliary bishop in June 2001. He was a graduate of St. Thomas High School in Houston and a classmate of Bishop John McCarthy at St. Mary’s Seminary. His retirement as auxiliary bishop was accepted in November 2006.

Bishop Rizzotto passed away earlier this year, on Jan. 17.

Like Bishop Rizzotto, the seventh auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese is a native Houstonian, a graduate of St. Thomas High School and of St. Mary’s Seminary.

Monsignor George A. Sheltz was appointed an auxiliary bishop in February 2012.

After Bishop Rizzotto’s retirement in 2006, he remained the sole auxiliary bishop until Bishop-Elect Italo Dell’Oro’s appointment. His own retirement was announced this June, following his 75th birthday, the mandatory age for retirement for bishops in the Catholic Church. †

Congratulations!

Most Rev. Robert Coerver,

and the more than 136,000 Catholics in the Diocese of Lubbock, celebrate with our fellow Texans in the

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and

Auxiliary Bishop Dell’Oro!

Congratulations and best wishes to you

Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro From the Parish Community of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Alvin, Texas.

ST. JEROME EMILIANI, PRAY FOR US!

LOCAL CATHOLIC NEWS.

WHERE YOU WANT IT. WHEN YOU WANT IT.

WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/DIGITALEDITIONS

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St. Dominic Village St. Dominic Village St. Dominic Village Congratulates Congratulates Congratulates Auxiliary Bishop Auxiliary Bishop Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S. Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S. Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S.

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From Galveston to Galveston-Houston

BY LISA MAY • TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD HOUSTON — The history of the Catholic Church in Texas begins with the arrival of Spanish explorers and missionaries in the 16th century.

Franciscan friars established missions throughout Texas and the Southwest to care for native peoples and new settlers.

Following the Texas War of Independence in 1836, Catholics who found themselves cut off from Church authorities in Mexico appealed to Rome for assistance.

In response to these appeals, Pope Gregory XVI designated the Republic of Texas as an Apostolic Prefecture in 1839, with Father John Timon, C.M., as the apostolic prefect.

Father Jean Marie Odin, C.M., was named the vice prefect.

When Father Odin arrived in Texas in 1840, there were only five parishes serving 12,000 Catholics. The next years brought settlers from the United States, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia and Italy, and other countries around the world to Texas.

In 1841, Pope Gregory XVI raised the Prefecture of Texas to an Apostolic Vicariate, and Father Odin was named the vicar, with the rank of bishop. Six years later, in 1847, Pope Pius IX created the Diocese of Galveston, with Bishop Odin as the first bishop.

St. Mary Church in Galveston was named the Cathedral of the new diocese.

Bishop Odin later dedicated the diocese

Right Rev. J. M. Odin, C.M., D.D. 1847 - 1861

Most Rev. Wendelin J. Nold, S.T.D. 1950 - 1975

Right Rev. C. M. Dubuis, D.D. 1862 - 1892

Most Rev. John L. Morkovsky, S.T.D. 1975 - 1985

to the Virgin Mary under her title of the Immaculate Conception. The year also marked the establishment of the Catholic

Right Rev. Nicholas Gallagher, D.D. 1882 - 1918

Most Rev. Christopher Byrne, D.D. 1918 - 1950

Most Rev. Joseph A. Fiorenza 1985 - 2006

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo 2007 - Present

school system in the diocese, when the Ursuline Sisters opened an academy for girls in Galveston.

Bishop Odin continued to serve the Diocese of Galveston until 1861, when he was named the Archbishop of New Orleans. He was succeeded by Bishop Claude Marie Dubuis, a native of France who had served in Texas for many years.

Bishop Dubuis saw the diocese through the turmoil of the Civil War and Reconstruction years. Following the war, additional parishes, schools, and hospitals were established as new populations continued to arrive in Texas.

In 1874, the original Diocese of Galveston was divided with the creation of the Diocese of San Antonio and the Apostolic Vicariate of Brownsville (now the Diocese of Corpus Christi).

Upon Bishop Dubuis’s retirement to France due to poor health, Bishop Nicholas Gallagher became the apostolic administrator in 1881 and later the third bishop of Galveston.

He was the first American-born bishop of the Diocese. Under his guidance, the diocese continued to grow, leading to a third division of the diocese with the creation of the Diocese of Dallas in 1890.

A former seminary rector, Bishop Gallagher reached a goal he had long held when he opened St. Mary’s Seminary in La Porte in 1901.

Another special concern of Bishop Gallagher’s was ministry to the growing African American and Hispanic populations in Texas.

After Bishop Gallagher’s death in 1918, Bishop Christopher Byrne was appointed

One Faith, One Family

Welcome and Congratulations Auxiliary Bishop-elect Italo Dell’Oro, C. R. S. May the Spirit of the Lord remain upon you.

JUNE 29, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

The naming of Cardinal DiNardo honored not only the Cardinal himself, but also the centuries of Catholic mission and ministry in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, and the Church in Texas. the fourth bishop of Galveston. During his episcopacy, the Diocese of Austin was created from the Diocese of Galveston, and Houston began to grow dramatically.

Bishop Byrne was succeeded in 1950

by Bishop Wendelin Nold, the first native Texan to serve as bishop of the diocese.

Throughout Bishop Nold’s administration, he stressed Catholic education. Catholic high schools were built as well as new facilities for St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston.

In 1959, the diocese was redesignated as the “Diocese of Galveston-Houston,” and Sacred Heart Church in Houston was named the Co-Cathedral, reflecting the growth of the Houston area.

With the redesignation of the diocese, a new chancery building was built in Houston, and the administrative offices were transferred from Galveston in 1963.

Due to health issues, Bishop Nold was relieved of administrative duties with the

texas catholic herald

appointment of Bishop John Morkovsky as both coadjutor bishop and apostolic administrator in 1963.

Upon Bishop Nold’s retirement in 1975, Bishop Morkovsky succeeded him as the sixth bishop of the Diocese.

Texas continued to experience tremendous growth, which led to further divisions of the diocese, including the creation of the dioceses of Beaumont (1966), Victoria (1982) and Tyler (1987).

Bishop Morkovsky served the diocese until his retirement in 1984, when he was succeeded by Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, the first native of the diocese to serve as the Ordinary. He became the first archbishop of Galveston-Houston when the diocese was raised to an Archdiocese in December of 2004.

In that same year, Bishop Daniel DiNardo of Sioux City was named coadjutor bishop (later coadjutor archbishop).

When Archbishop Fiorenza retired in 2006, Archbishop DiNardo became the Ordinary.

On Oct. 17, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI named Archbishop DiNardo to the College of Cardinals, creating the first Cardinal for Texas and the Southwest.

This appointment honored not only the Cardinal himself, but also the centuries of Catholic mission and ministry in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, and the Church in Texas.

In 2008, Cardinal DiNardo dedicated the new Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston, a center of worship for the entire Catholic population of the Archdiocese.

Cardinal DiNardo is assisted by Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz, who was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI in March 2012. †

KEY DATES IN HISTORY OF THE ARCHDIOCESE 1600s: Spanish explorers establish the first Catholic missions in Texas.

1836: Texas gains independence.

1839: Pope Gregory XVI designates Texas as an Apostolic Prelature.

1841-1842: Pope Gregory XVI elevates the Prelature of Texas to a Vicariate Apostolic; Father Jean Marie Odin is ordained bishop to oversee the new Vicariate.

1847: Pope Pius IX creates the Diocese of Galveston with Bishop Odin at its helm. At this time, the Diocese of Galveston encompassed all of Texas.

1874: Texas is split into two dioceses, Galveston and San Antonio.

1963: The Diocese of Galveston is re-named Diocese of Galveston-Houston to reflect the population growth in Houston. A new chancery is built in downtown and the administrative offices of the diocese move to Houston.

2004: Texas is now divided into 15 dioceses. The Diocese of Galveston-Houston is elevated to an archdiocese.

11507 Huffmeister Rd. Houston, TX 77065

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Auxiliary Bishop-elect Italo Dell'Oro, C.R.S. of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Archbishop José H. Gomez

and your brothers and sisters in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles rejoice at the celebration of your appointment.

We entrust you to the tender care of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and we pray that God will bring many blessings to his children in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

JUNE 29, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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Called to accompany youth, young adults, BishopElect Dell’Oro walks with generations through life

BY JAMES RAMOS • TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD HOUSTON — “I know him! We know him!”

This response echoed throughout young adult communities as news spread across the Archdiocese of Bishop-Elect Italo Dell’Oro’s June appointment as the Archdiocese’s newest auxiliary bishop.

This refrain reflected the long-time active ministry of Bishop Dell’Oro, who worked with youth and young adults for decades, leading retreats and communities in the discernment of life and vocation, according to Angie Pometto, director of young adult and campus ministry.

“It’s such an amazing gift for our Church to have a bishop that the young adults feel like they know personally,” Pometto said. “They feel like they know him. It’s a huge, huge blessing. It’s a blessing for our Archdiocese. It’s a blessing for the Church at large, and it’s going to be a blessing for the young adult population as well.”

Inspired by St. Jerome Emiliani, a universal patron of orphans and youth-inneed, the Somascan Fathers, a religious congregation that the bishop-elect is part of, actively minister with parishes and communities with a charism to reach and serve the young in need.

For Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro, this call brought him across borders and into some of the largest Catholic young adult communities in the Gulf Coast.

BRINGING PEACE TO CHAOS Catie Watso was a busy full-time student at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Juggling academics and extracurriculars in the world of a big state school, Watso found herself seeking a retreat during the chaos of college.

Refuge came to Watso in the form of a “Busy Student’s Retreat,” a unique program of spirituality and formation around a student’s schedule during the week, rather than the traditional weekend retreat. Watso then encountered thenFather Dell’Oro, who trekked the nearly 300 mile drive across the Sabine River to help with college pastoral needs at LSU’s Christ the King Catholic Student Center.

Watso said she struggled to open up quickly to those she didn’t know well and always hoped to be given a spiritual leader who wasn’t a parish priest she’d see often. She’d rather talk about deeply personal spiritual thoughts and feelings with someone she didn’t know, and Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro happened to meet

PHOTO COURTESY OF BISHOP-ELECT ITALO DELL’ORO

Then Father Italo Dell’Oro speaks during a gathering in the 1990s at a retreat center in Houston. Reaching out to youth and young adults has long been part of Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro’s ministries.

her that day.

“He didn’t know my history and took me for exactly who I was in that conference room,” she said.“No judgment, no shame, and I thought likely I wouldn’t see him again. I am thankful that he

volunteered his time, on more than one occasion, to mentor college students.”

Watso, now advancement director at Houston’s Our Lady of Guadalupe See YOUNG ADULTS, page 34

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Bishop Sis: Dell’Oro’s ministry lifted by Christian joy Houston will be well served by his ministry as auxiliary bishop.”

YOUNG ADULTS, from page 33 Catholic School, said she was thankful for these encounters with the bishopelect.

“College is hard! For many, myself included, it is the first time you’re truly taking responsibility for your faith journey,” she said.

Faith becomes a choice for college students, and going to Mass, especially on a holy day of obligation, may no longer be a priority in a class schedule.

But “having priests and religious (like Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro) who are visible and willing to meet you where you’re at... helps college students understand that your faith life and your ‘real life’ are not two separate things,” she said. “Your faith life is your real life, and it is possible to live out your vocation and still be able to have fun and let loose.”

FINDING THE SPIRIT IN AGGIELAND Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro would also bring his ministries to St. Mary’s Catholic Center at Texas A&M University in College Station.

Before his ordination and appointment as San Angelo’s bishop and ordinary in 2013, Bishop Michael J. Sis spent nearly 14 years in parish and campus ministry

PHOTO BY BISHOP-ELECT ITALO DELL’ORO

San Angelo Bishop Michael J. Sis, far right, served as director and pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Center at Texas A&M University in College Station for nearly 14 years. He brought Bishop Italo Dell’Oro to College Station to help guide college students in their formative years.

as pastor and director at St. Mary’s.

There, Bishop Sis invited BishopElect Dell’Oro to share his vocation

and discernment experiences with the Somascan Fathers to St. Mary’s,“a church overflowing with active Catholic college students.”

Bishop Sis said Bishop Dell’Oro went to Aggieland “regularly to celebrate the Eucharist, hear Confessions, and share the treasures of the Catholic faith with the students.”

“His life experience is rooted in a thoroughly Catholic culture in northern Italy,” he said. “His religious community has a special charism for reaching out to young people. His theological training is solid, so he helped our students to navigate difficult life questions with a well-grounded practical wisdom.”

Bishop Sis said he always recognized the “buoyancy” of Christian joy in BishopElect Dell’Oro. “Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro is easy for people to get to know, and his personal warmth created a sense of genuine welcome for our young adults,” he said.

“When the love of God is in a person’s heart, people can see it. Father Italo has always radiated that love. I believe the people of the Archdiocese of Galveston-

DEEP CALLS OUT TO DEEP Pometto said Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro’s ministries reflect Pope Francis’s call to accompany the faithful on their journey with Christ, especially youth and young adults, who are making major life choices at the young ages of 18 to 39.

Older adults look back and realize that the decisions made in the 20s really do shape the path of life, she said.

Pometto said today’s new generations struggle with even understanding where to begin with life and relationships, especially in the Church.

She noted his deep involvement with the Encuentros de Promoción Juvenil (EPJ), a Hispanic young adult retreat movement loosely based on the Cursillo model.

In this ministry, Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro “played an integral role,” she said. “He was on these retreats.

He was with the young adults. He was there again, walking with them, accompanying them, listening to their stories, journeying with them through the retreat, and by that witness, showing that he wants to journey with them through their lives as well.”

This ministry, even beyond EPJ, is something that the bishop-elect has “led in his life and his witness,” she said. “All of us can just look at our own lives and see if there are people on the fringes, on the peripheries, people within our communities that maybe could use a friend; could use someone to walk with them on the journey.”

Pometto said she was inspired by Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro’s motto on his coat of arms, “Deep calls out to deep.”

Much like the upcoming bishop’s life has shown, “keep following Jesus and keep trusting that when He calls us into the deep, he’s going to equip us and support us the entire way,” she said.

“Jesus himself has already made the plunge,” she said. “He’s in the deep end.

There’s no fear. He’s there waiting for us.

He’s calling us to join him. He’s calling us to be radical and in following him, to serve him every single day, to lay down our lives for him and not just for him, but with him.” †

PHOTO COURTESY OF HISPANIC MINISTRIES

Bishop Italo Dell’Oro meets with Hispanic young adults during a gathering at St. Dominic’s Chancery in Houston. Bishop Dell’Oro is a longtime pastoral leader with Encuentros de Promoción Juvenil.

JUNE 29, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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New bishop has deep ties with Hispanics in the Archdiocese

BY REBECCA TORRELLAS • TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD HOUSTON — Bishop-Elect Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, has been very involved with the Hispanic Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese throughout his priestly ministry.

Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza remembers inviting the Somascan Fathers more than 30 years ago, including Bishop-Elect Italo Dell’Oro, then a young priest, to Houston “to work among the Spanish-speaking community.”

“He’s a wonderful man and I’m very happy to see him chosen as auxiliary bishop,” Archbishop Fiorenza said. “He’s very kind and pastoral.”

In July 1992, then-Father Dell’Oro was assigned by his Somascan superiors to become the pastor of Assumption Church in Houston.

“Since that appointment, I have known Father Dell’Oro very well and came to greatly admire him and have high respect for his pastoral ministry,” Archbishop Fiorenza said.

“In every aspect of priestly ministry and conduct, Father Dell’Oro has been an example to brother priests, as well as his availability to administer the Sacrament of Penance and the Eucharist when asked to celebrate these and other Sacraments,” he said.

“I certainly let the Vatican know that I was very happy that they chose him as an auxiliary bishop,” Archbishop Fiorenza said.

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, who was

HERALD FILE PHOTO

Then Father Italo Dell’Oro speaks to attendees of a discernment vocations retreat in Houston.

installed as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Austin on March 8, 2010, said he worked with the bishop-elect during his time as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. They worked together in ministries to youth,

young adults and Hispanics.

“I’ve always appreciated Father Italo’s integrity as a priest and his desire to provide good and solid formation to young people and priests,” Bishop Vasquez said.“Father Italo’s Spanish is impeccable,

which allows him to effectively communicate and minister to the always growing Hispanic population in the Archdiocese. Bishop-Elect Italo will bring many gifts and blessings to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.”

Lázaro Contreras, director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry for the Archdiocese, said Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro’s charism of his congregation, the Somascan Fathers, is to serve the orphans and the youth.

Due to his fluency in Spanish, he served the Hispanic youth of the Archdiocese in Encuentros de Promoción Juvenil as the spiritual director and also as vocation director for his congregation.

Contreras said that, as vocation director of the Somascan Fathers, BishopElect Dell’Oro accompanied young men in the discernment of their vocation. “At that time, I was working for the Office of Vocations, and Father Italo was regularly present at vocation gatherings and retreats interacting with the discerners,” he said. “Since he spoke both English and Spanish, he would participate in both the English and Spanish retreats.”

Contreras said, more recently, BishopElect Dell’Oro has been very involved with the Hispanic Latino faithful of this Archdiocese due to his participation in the V Encuentro process.

“The V Encuentro process is a process of consultation, evangelization See HISPANIC MINISTRY, page 36

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PHOTO COURTESY OF LÁZARO CONTRERAS

Then Father Italo Dell’Oro speaks before the Our Lady of Guadalupe procession in downtown Houston.

and communion,” he said. “It seeks to respond to the presence of Hispanic Catholics in the Church in the US as well as to strengthen the way in which Hispanic Catholics respond to their call of evangelization as missionary disciples serving the entire Church.”

Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro participated in the Archdiocesan, regional and national Encuentros that took place since 2016.

He was part of the core team leading the entire process locally, which also included his participation in the national in-service and the training of trainers and clergy orientation day for the implementation of the conclusions of the V Encuentro.

“His role has been vital in fostering a culture of encounter in the local Archdiocese,” Contreras said. “Because of his previous roles and his current role as vicar for clergy, he knows and understands the needs of the People of God and of his brother priests. He is a person that represents unity among all the members of the Body of Christ.”

As vicar for clergy, Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro liked to pray and walk with the Archdiocesan Our Lady of Guadalupe Association in their annual festivity in Honor of the Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe.

“Father Italo lead the procession in several consecutive years. He would stand at the beginning of the procession and gather the matachines (dancers) and people around and gave a message of hope in Our Lady of Guadalupe,” Contreras said. Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro also participated in this celebration as the homilist.

The new bishop, while still a priest, accompanied the Hispanic young adults when he was the spiritual director for the

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JUNE 29, 2021

“Hispanic Catholics have a great regard and respect for Father Italo. His relationship with all the faithful of our local Church will grow and be strengthened since, as a bishop, he will have more opportunities to visit the different parishes and groups throughout the Archdiocese.” international lay group Encuentros de Promoción Juvenil. He celebrated Mass for them in the annual retreats and nights of prayer.

Contreras said he visited them in their weekly meetings, formation and special events.

“I recall one occasion when I was part of this group as a young adult, and we participated in a prolife activity with the prayer of the Rosary outside of a clinic that performed abortions,” he said. “This was in downtown Houston, and the Mass was in Holy Rosary Church. Father Italo was the celebrant. I was very impressed with the different languages he spoke in the opening greeting. He addressed the faithful in Italian, English and Spanish.”

Contreras said that when some parish leaders in the Hispanic Ministry learned that Father Italo was named auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese, they rejoiced.

See HISPANIC MINSTRY, next page

JUNE 29, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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37

HISPANIC MINISTRY, from previous page “Father Dell’Oro is like one of our own in this Archdiocese despite that he is a religious priest who is constantly on the move to new mission assignments and that he was from Italy,” he said. “He has spent more than a few decades locally, and people love him. He has been there with the people, and as vicar for clergy, he has been there for his brother priests as well.”

Contreras recalled that on one occasion when he was visiting him in his office due to their work together in the V Encuentro, he was looking at the Somascan priest’s ordination photo and when he visited then-Pope John Paul II in Rome and “he shared with me how he felt called to minister to his brother priests.”

With the upcoming ordination, Contreras said there is an understanding that he will be ordained “for all the people of God in the Archdiocese.”

“I think his connection and accompaniment to Hispanic Catholics will continue as when he was a priest,” he said. “Hispanic Catholics have a great regard and respect for Father Italo.

His relationship with all the faithful of our local Church will grow and be strengthened since as a bishop he will have more opportunities to visit the different parishes and groups throughout the Archdiocese.”

Contreras said he was speechless, grateful and astounded when he learned of the appointment.

“Throughout the years, when there were conversations between other employees or volunteers about who from our diocese could be the next bishop, his name was always mentioned. It’s like if we always knew,” he said. “His pastoral approach, humbleness and love for his ministerial priesthood are those qualities that stand out and that I admire about him. He will be a great bishop for all the faithful of this local Church. We feel very blessed to have him as a bishop!”

The Metropolitan Organization (TMO), an organization of institutions dedicated to developing power and leadership among citizens in order to transform the city, praised the bishop-elect’s efforts with the Hispanic community.

“Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro understood the importance of the 2020 Census and encouraged the faithful across the Archdiocese to complete it,” said TMO’s Ana Guerrero Cummings. “He opened the door with clergy for TMO leaders

PHOTO COURTESY OF LÁZARO CONTRERAS

Then Father Italo Dell’Oro speaks before the Our Lady of Guadalupe procession in downtown Houston.

and organizers to educate and encourage people in 25 parishes to complete the Census. He made a big difference in promoting the Census in a very challenging year.”

The bishop-elect created a PSA video in Spanish explaining the importance, safety and confidentiality of the 2020 Census. He encouraged everyone to participate so all communities would be fairly represented by elected officials and funding properly allocated to our communities to meet the real needs of communities.

“Bishop-Elect Dell‘Oro has a passion for inviting and including immigrants and those on the margins into the full life of our parishes and community,”TMO Organizer Joe Higgs said.“He has a warm and welcoming heart that inspires people to love and have confidence in the Church and their own ability to take action on behalf of their family and community.”

The Bishop-Elect’s involvement with TMO began when he became pastor of Assumption Church in 1992.

He developed a team of both Englishand Spanish-speaking leaders to work together for the parish.

Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro was also actively working with TMO to organize non-partisan Candidate Accountability Sessions where candidates running for office were presented with the TMO

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agenda of issues. He wanted people to know what was going on and to be informed about issues as they prepared to vote.

“My husband George Zuckero and I were leaders with TMO at the time and together with Bishop-Elect Italo, we worked to build up a diverse team of leaders at Assumption,” said TMO’s Damiana Zuckero, Assumption Catholic

Church.“He is a perfect choice for bishop.

He is a wonderful and holy priest.”

Zuckero said the new bishop is very open-minded and encompasses everything the Catholic Church stands for.

“He has a lot of hope for the Church.

I’m sure he will reach out to everyone as he does now, but even more so,” she said.

“He will go on and do great things for the Archdiocese.” †

38 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JUNE 29, 2021

Congratulations, Bishop-Elect Dell’Oro ON BEHALF OF THE HIGH SCHOOLS OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON, THANK YOU FOR YOUR MINISTRY!

JUNE 29, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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El nuevo obispo tiene una estrecha relación con los hispanos de la Arquidiócesis POR REBECCA TORRELLAS • TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD HOUSTON — Durante todo su ministerio sacerdotal el obispo electo Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, ha estado muy involucrado con los fieles católicos hispanos de la arquidiócesis.

El arzobispo emérito Joseph A. Fiorenza recuerda haber invitado a la Orden de los Padres Somascos a Houston hace ya más de 30 años, incluyendo al ahora obispo electo Italo Dell’Oro, que por aquel entonces era un joven sacerdote.

La invitación era principalmente “para que trabajaran en la comunidad de habla hispana”. “Él es un hombre maravilloso y me alegra ver que lo han seleccionado como obispo auxiliar”, dijo el arzobispo Fiorenza. “Es muy amable y muy pastoral”.

En julio de 1992, los superiores de su orden asignaron al entonces padre Dell’Oro como párroco de la iglesia Assumption en Houston.

“Desde entonces, he tenido la oportunidad de conocer a fondo al padre Dell’Oro, he llegado a admirarlo mucho y respeto profundamente su ministerio pastoral”, expresó el arzobispo Fiorenza.

“En todos los aspectos de su ministerio y conducta sacerdotal, el padre Dell’Oro ha sido un ejemplo

FOTO DE EL HERALD

El Obispo-Electo Italo Dell’Oro habla con los participantes de un retiro de vocaciones de discernimiento en Houston.

para sus hermanos sacerdotes, siempre dispuesto a administrar el sacramento de la penitencia y la eucaristía cuando se le pedía que celebrara estos y otros sacramentos”, dijo.

“Así es que le dejé saber al Vaticano que estaba muy feliz que lo seleccionaron como obispo auxiliar”, añadió el arzobispo Fiorenza.

El obispo Joe S. Vásquez, instalado

Diocese of

como el quinto obispo de la Diócesis de Austin el 8 de marzo de 2010, dijo que había trabajado con el obispo electo durante el tiempo que actuó de obispo auxiliar de la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston. Trabajaron juntos en el ministerio a los adolescentes, a los adultos jóvenes y a los hispanos.

“Siempre he apreciado la integridad del padre Italo como sacerdote y su deseo

de proveer una formación buena y sólida a los jóvenes y a los sacerdotes. El padre Italo habla un español impecable, lo que le permite comunicarse eficazmente y velar por la siempre creciente población hispana de la arquidiócesis. El obispo electo Italo les traerá muchos dones y bendiciones a los fieles de la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston”.

Lázaro Contreras, director de la Oficina del Ministerio Hispano para la arquidiócesis dijo que el carisma de la congregación del obispo electo Dell’Oro, los Padres Somascos, es servir a los huérfanos y a los jóvenes.

Debido a su dominio del español, ha servido a los jóvenes hispanos de la arquidiócesis en los Encuentros de Promoción Juvenil como director espiritual y también como director de vocaciones para su congregación.

Contreras dijo que, como director de vocaciones de los Padres Somascos, el obispo electo Dell’Oro acompañó a los jóvenes en el discernimiento de sus vocaciones. “En aquel tiempo yo trabajaba para la Oficina de Vocaciones y el padre Italo asistía regularmente a las reuniones y retiros vocacionales Vea MINISTERIO, pagina 40

Beaumont

Congratulations to

Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell'Oro, C.R.S.

Please know of our prayers and gratitude for your ministry.

40 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JUNE 29, 2021

MINISTERIO, de la pagina 39 relacionándose con los jóvenes”, dijo. “Como hablaba tanto inglés como español participaba en los retiros en ambos idiomas”.

Contreras dijo que más recientemente el obispo electo Dell’Oro ha estado más involucrado con los fieles latinos de la arquidiócesis debido a su participación en el proceso del V Encuentro.

“El proceso del V Encuentro es un proceso de consulta, evangelización y comunión”, dijo. “Busca responder a la presencia de los católicos hispanos en la Iglesia de los Estados Unidos y a fortalecer la manera en que los católicos hispanos responden a la llamada de evangelización como discípulos misioneros que sirven a toda la Iglesia”.

El obispo electo Dell’Oro ha participado en los Encuentros arquidiocesanos, regionales y nacionales que se han celebrado desde 2016. Formó parte del equipo base que lideraba todo el proceso a nivel local, lo que incluía también su participación en cursos de formación para los formadores y el día de orientación para el clero para implementar las conclusiones del V Encuentro.

“Su papel ha sido vital para fomentar la cultura de encuentro en la arquidiócesis”, dijo Contreras.

“Debido a sus funciones anteriores y su papel en la actualidad como vicario del clero, conoce y entiende las necesidades del pueblo de Dios y de sus hermanos sacerdotes. Es una persona que representa unidad entre todos los miembros del Cuerpo de Cristo”.

Como vicario del clero, al obispo electo Dell’Oro le gustaba orar y caminar con la Asociación Arquidiocesana de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en su festividad anual en honor a nuestra Santísima Madre, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

“El padre Italo estuvo a la cabeza de la procesión durante varios años consecutivos. Se paraba al principio de la procesión y reunía a los matachines y a la gente y les daba un mensaje de esperanza en Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe”, dijo Contreras. El obispo electo Dell’Oro

FOTO CORTESÍA DE LÁZARO CONTRERAS

Vea MINISTERIO, pagina 41

El Obispo-Electo Italo Dell’Oro habla antes de que la procesión de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe comience en diciembre del 2014 en el centro de Houston.

CONGRATULATIONS AND PRAYERFUL WISHES TO THE NEW AUXILIARY BISHOP OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON, TEXAS

MOST REVEREND ITALO DELL’ORO, C.R.S. FROM THE MISSIONARIES OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES—MSFS (FRANSALIANS)

MSFS PROVINCIAL HOUSE—3887 ROSEBUD ROAD, ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30052

JUNE 29, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

texas catholic herald

MINISTERIO, de la pagina 40 también ha participado dando la homilía en esta celebración.

El nuevo obispo, cuando aún era solo sacerdote, acompañaba a los jóvenes adultos hispanos cuando era el director espiritual del grupo internacional de laicos, Encuentros de Promoción Juvenil. Él celebraba la misa para ellos durante sus retiros anuales y noches de oración.

Contreras dijo que los visitaba en sus reuniones semanales, eventos de formación y eventos especiales.

“Recuerdo una ocasión en la cual yo era parte de este grupo como adulto joven y participamos en una actividad pro-vida, rezando el rosario fuera de una clínica que realizaba abortos”, dijo. “Esto pasó en el centro de Houston y la misa se celebró en la iglesia Holy Rosary. El padre Italo fue el celebrante. Quedé muy impresionado con los diferentes idiomas que dominaba en el saludo de apertura.

Les habló a los fieles en italiano, inglés y español”.

Contreras dijo que algunos de los líderes de los Ministerios Hispanos se llenaron de júbilo cuando se enteraron de que el padre Italo había sido nombrado obispo auxiliar de la Arquidiócesis.

“El padre Dell’Oro es como si fuera uno de nosotros en esta Arquidiócesis, a pesar de que es un religioso que está constantemente siendo asignado a nuevas misiones y que es italiano”, dijo. “Ha pasado varias décadas en esta área y la gente lo estima. Ha estado allí con el pueblo, y como vicario del clero, ha estado presente también para sus hermanos sacerdotes”.

Contreras recuerda que en una ocasión cuando lo estaba visitando en su oficina por el trabajo que compartían del V Encuentro, estaba mirando la foto de la ordenación del sacerdote somasco y

FOTO DE EL HERALD

El Obispo-Electo Italo Dell’Oro habla con los participantes de un retiro de vocaciones de discernimiento en Houston.

de cuando visitó al entonces Papa Juan Pablo II en Roma y “compartió conmigo cómo sintió un llamado a ser ministro de sus hermanos sacerdotes”.

Con su próxima ordenación, Contreras dijo que hay un consenso de que el padre Italo será ordenado “para todo el pueblo de Dios de la Arquidiócesis”.

“Yo creo que esta relación con los católicos hispanos continuará igual que cuando era un simple sacerdote”, dijo.

“Los católicos hispanos le tienen un gran afecto y respeto al Padre Italo. Su relación con todos los fieles de nuestra iglesia local crecerá y se fortalecerá ya que como obispo tendrá más oportunidades de

visitar las distintas parroquias y grupos en toda la arquidiócesis”.

Contreras dijo que se quedó sin habla, agradecido y atónito cuando se enteró del nombramiento.

“Durante años, cuando había conversaciones entre empleados o voluntarios sobre quién sería el próximo obispo de la diócesis, su nombre siempre se mencionaba. Era como que lo presentíamos”, dijo. “Su enfoque pastoral, humildad y amor a su ministerio sacerdotal son las cualidades que lo distinguen y que admiro de él. Será un gran obispo para todos los fieles de esta iglesia. ¡Dios nos ha bendecido con su nombramiento como obispo!”

The Metropolitan Organization (TMO), una organización de instituciones dedicadas al desarrollo del poder y el liderazgo entre ciudadanos para transformar la ciudad, elogió los esfuerzos del obispo electo al servicio de la comunidad hispana.

“El obispo electo Dell’Oro comprendía la importancia del Censo 2020 y animó a los fieles de toda la Arquidiócesis a llenarlo”, dijo Ana Guerrero Cummings de la TMO. “Nos abrió las puertas con los sacerdotes para que los líderes y organizadores de TMO pudieran educar

y animar a la gente en 25 parroquias a llenar el censo. Su gran influencia logró que se promoviera el censo en un año muy difícil”.

El obispo electo creó un video de servicio público en español en el que explicaba la importancia, seguridad y confidencialidad del Censo 2020.

También animó a todos a participar para que todas las comunidades estuvieran representadas justamente por funcionarios electos y que los fondos fueran distribuidos adecuadamente a nuestras comunidades para responder a las necesidades reales de las comunidades.

“El obispo electo Dell‘Oro es un paladín apasionado que invita e incluye a los inmigrantes y marginados a participar de lleno en la vida de nuestras parroquias y nuestras comunidades”, dijo Joe Higgs organizador de TMO. “Tiene un corazón cálido y abierto que inspira a la gente a amar y tener confianza en la Iglesia y les da confianza para que ellos tomen acción en nombre de sus familias y comunidades”.

La participación del obispo electo en TMO comenzó siendo párroco de la iglesia Assumption en1992. Él se esforzó por cumplir el papel profético de la Iglesia y animó a otros a hacer lo mismo.

Desarrolló un equipo excepcional de líderes de habla inglesa e hispana para trabajar juntos por el bien de la parroquia.

También trabajó activamente con TMO para organizar Sesiones no partidarias de Responsabilidad de Candidatos en que a los candidatos a cargos públicos se les presentaba la agenda de temas de TMO. Él quería que la gente estuviera informada sobre lo que sucede para que esté preparada para votar.

“Mi esposo George Zuckero y yo éramos líderes de TMO en aquella época y junto con el obispo electo Italo, trabajamos para desarrollar un equipo diverso de líderes en Assumption”, dijo Damiana Zuckero, de TMO, miembro de Assumption Catholic Church. “Es un candidato perfecto para obispo. Es un sacerdote maravilloso y santo”.

La Sra. Zuckero dijo que el nuevo obispo tiene la mente muy abierta y abarca todo lo que la Iglesia Católica significa. “Él tiene muchas esperanzas para la Iglesia. Estoy segura de que él le tenderá la mano a todos, como lo hace ahora, solo que más” dijo. “Él hará mucho por la Arquidiócesis”. †

Congratulations • Felicidades

Obispo/Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS from the clergy and people of the Diocese of Little Rock. May God bless you.

de parte del clero y el pueblo de la Diócesis de Little Rock. Que Dios lo bendiga.

Anthony B. Taylor

SAN GIROLAMO EMILIANI, RUEGA POR NOSOTRAS

41

Bishop of Little Rock Obispo de Little Rock

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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JUNE 29, 2021

Obispo Electo Dell’Oro acompaña a los jóvenes adultos a lo largo de la vida POR JAMES RAMOS • TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

FOTO POR OBISPO ELECTO ITALO DELL’ORO

Obispo Michael J. Sis de San Angelo, en la extrema derecha, sirvió como director y pastor del Centro Católico de Santa María en Texas A&M University en College Station por casi 14 años. Trajo al Obispo Electo Italo Dell’Oro a College Station para ayudar a guiar a los estudiantes universitarios en sus años de formación.

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12/22/20

4:14 PM

HOUSTON — “¡Lo conozco! ¡Lo conocemos!”

Esa reacción se vio repetida en todas las comunidades de adultos jóvenes según se difundía por toda la arquidiócesis la noticia del nombramiento en junio del padre Italo Dell’Oro como el nuevo obispo auxiliar de la arquidiócesis.

Esa frase refleja el ministerio a largo plazo del obispo electo Dell’Oro, quien ha trabajado con los adolescentes y adultos jóvenes durante décadas, dirigiendo retiros y comunidades en el discernimiento de sus vidas y vocaciones, según Angie Pometto, directora del ministerio a los jóvenes adultos y en las universidades.

“Es un don extraordinario para nuestra Iglesia tener a un obispo que los jóvenes sientan que conocen personalmente” declaró Pometto. “Ellos sienten que lo conocen. Es una gran, grandísima bendición. Es una bendición para nuestra arquidiócesis. Es una bendición para toda la Iglesia y va a ser una bendición para los jóvenes también”.

Inspirado por San Jerónimo Emiliani, patrono universal de los huérfanos

y los jóvenes necesitados, los Padres Somascos, una congregación a la cual pertenece el obispo electo, realizan su ministerio activamente en las parroquias y comunidades con el carisma de llegar y servir a los jóvenes necesitados.

Este llamado trajo al obispo electo Dell’Oro, cruzando fronteras, a una de las mayores comunidades de jóvenes católicos en la costa del Golfo de México.

Trae la calma a donde existe el caos Catie Watso era una estudiante de la Louisiana State University (LSU) en Baton Rouge, Luisiana.

Agobiada por sus estudios y actividades extraescolares en una universidad estatal tan grande, Watso decidió ir a un retiro en medio del caos de la universidad.

Watso encontró un refugio en el“Retiro para estudiantes muy ocupados”, un programa excepcional de espiritualidad y formación que se adapta al horario del estudiante durante la semana y no exige un fin de semana tradicional.

Watson se encontró allí con el entonces Vea JÓVENES ADULTOS, pagina 43

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JUNE 29, 2021 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

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JÓVENES ADULTOS, de la pagina 42 padre Dell’Oro, quien había ido en su automóvil casi 300 millas cruzando el Río Sabine para ayudar con las necesidades pastorales en el Centro de Estudiantes Católicos Cristo Rey de LSU. Watso dijo que le era difícil abrirse rápidamente a los que no conocía bien y que tenía la esperanza que le asignaran un director espiritual que no fuera sacerdote de la parroquia con quien se podría encontrar a menudo. Ella prefería hablar de temas espirituales profundamente personales con alguien que no conociera y el obispo electo Dell’Oro por causalidad la conoció ese día. “Él no me conocía y me aceptó tal y como era en esa sala de conferencias” dijo. “No me juzgó, no me avergonzó.

Pensé que no lo volvería a ver. Siempre agradeceré el tiempo que ofreció, en más de una oportunidad para guiar a los estudiantes universitarios”.

Watso, quien es ahora la directora de fomento en la escuela católica Our Lady of Guadalupe, dijo que estaba muy agradecida por esos encuentros con el obispo electo. “¡La universidad es difícil! Para muchos, y me incluyo yo misma, es la primera vez que uno mismo se hace realmente responsable de su camino en la fe”, dijo.

La fe pasa a ser una elección para los estudiantes universitarios; ir a misa, especialmente en días de precepto ya no es una prioridad debido al horario de clases.

Pero “contar con sacerdotes y religiosos (como el obispo electo Dell’Oro) visibles y dispuestos a reunirse con uno sin importar dónde se encuentre en el camino de la fe… eso ayuda a los estudiantes universitarios a entender que su vida de fe y su ‘vida real’ no son dos cosas separadas”, dijo. “La vida de fe es real, y es posible vivir tu vocación y también divertirse y relajarse”.

Encontrar el espíritu en tierra de los Aggies El obispo electo Dell’Oro también llevaba su ministerio al Centro Católico St. Mary’s en la Universidad de Texas

FOTO COURTESIA DE EL MINISTRO HISPANO

El Obispo-Electo Italo Dell’Oro se reúne con jóvenes adultos hispanos durante una reunión en la Cancillería de Santo Domingo en Houston. El Obispo-Electo Dell’Oro es un líder pastoral de larga data con Encuentros de Promoción Juvenil.

A&M en College Station.

Antes de ser ordenado y nombrado obispo y ordinario de San Angelo en 2013, el obispo Michael J. Sis pasó casi 14 años en el ministerio universitario como párroco y director de St. Mary’s.

El obispo Sis invitó al obispo electo Dell’Oro a compartir sus experiencias vocacionales y de discernimiento con los Padres Somascos en St. Mary’s “una iglesia repleta de estudiantes universitarios católicos activos”.

El obispo Sis dijo que el obispo Dell’Oro iba allí “regularmente a celebrar la Eucaristía, escuchar confesiones y compartir los tesoros de la fe católica con los estudiantes”.

“Su experiencia de vida está arraigada en la cultura católica del norte de Italia”, continuó. “Su comunidad religiosa tiene un carisma especial para acercarse a los jóvenes. Su formación teológica es sólida de manera que ayudó a nuestros estudiantes a navegar dudas difíciles con una sabiduría práctica bien fundamentada”.

Padre Jhon Jaime Florez Gallo, Administrador, y los feligreses de la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de San Juan de los Lagos felicitan al

Obispo-electo Italo Dell’Oro

y oran por usted en su nueva misión como Obispo Auxiliar de nuestra Arquidiócesis.

Parish administrator Fr. Jhon Jaime Florez Gallo and the parishioners of Our Lady of St. John Church wish to congratulate

Bishop-elect Italo Dell’Oro

and will pray for you in your new mission as Auxiliary Bishop of our Archdiocese.

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El obispo Sis añadió que siempre pudo ver la solidez y el desborde de optimismo de la alegría cristiana en el obispo electo Dell’Oro. “Es fácil llegar a conocer al obispo electo Dell’Oro, su calidez personal crea un verdadero sentido de acogida para nuestros jóvenes”, dijo. “Cuando el amor de Dios está en el corazón de una persona, es evidente. El padre Italo siempre ha irradiado ese amor. Creo que el pueblo de la Arquidiócesis de Galveston-Houston se beneficiará de su ministerio como obispo auxiliar”.

Pometto dijo que el ministerio del obispo electo Dell’Oro refleja la llamada

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del Papa Francisco de acompañar a los fieles en su camino con Cristo, especialmente a los jóvenes que están tomando decisiones importantes entre los 18 y 39 años.

Los adultos miran atrás y se dan cuenta que las decisiones que tomaron en sus 20 años formaron el camino de sus vidas, dijo.

Pometto dijo que las generaciones de hoy luchan por entender dónde comenzar sus vidas y relaciones, especialmente en la Iglesia.

Ella señaló su participación en los Encuentros de Promoción Juvenil (EPJ), un movimiento de retiros para los jóvenes basado en el modelo de los Cursillos.

El obispo electo Dell’Oro “desempeñó un papel fundamental” en ese ministerio, dijo. “Participaba en los retiros.

Compartía con los jóvenes. Regresaba, caminaba con ellos, los acompañaba, escuchaba sus historias, estaba con ellos en el retiro y por su testimonio, demostraba que quería estar con ellos en sus vidas también”.

Este ministerio, más allá de los EPJ, es algo que el obispo electo ha “llevado en su vida y en su testimonio” añadió. “Todos nosotros podemos considerar nuestras vidas y ver si hay gente marginada, gente en la periferia, gente en nuestras comunidades que tal vez les vendría bien tener un amigo, les vendría bien alguien con quien caminar en sus propias jornadas”.

Pometto dijo sentirse inspirada por el lema del escudo del obispo electo Dell’Oro “Lo profundo llama a lo profundo”.

Tal como la vida de nuestro nuevo obispo demuestra, “continuemos siguiendo a Jesús y confiando que cuando nos llame a indagar en lo profundo, nos dará las herramientas necesarias y nos ayudará durante todo el camino”, dijo. †

44 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JUNE 29, 2021

Welcomes Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S. Auxiliary Bishop of Galveston-Houston

On behalf of the 133 Councils and over 23,000 Knights and families of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, we would like to extend our warmest welcome to Bishop Italo Dell'Oro, C.R.S. We look forward to supporting our new Auxiliary Bishop in his pastoral ministry.