Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller's statement concerning the appointment of Bishop Oscar Cantú as Bishop of the Diocese of Las Cruces, New Mexico

It is with heartfelt joy that I congratulate Bishop Oscar Cantú for his appointment as bishop of the Diocese of Las Cruces, New Mexico. I thank Pope Benedict XVI for this truly wise and Spirit-filled choice as an acknowledgement of the significance of Bishop Cantú’s contribution to the life of the Church in the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

Bishop Cantú has been a faithful servant to the people of the Archdiocese of San Antonio in his 4 1/2 years as auxiliary bishop. He has many accomplishments to his credit through his time here and has been a loving witness of faith and service through his inspired leadership.

He is a man of profound wisdom and keen intelligence who has shared those gifts with us in many ways. His love for Catholic Education and his unwavering belief in it as a ministry central to the work of the Church, will long be felt by the children and youth of our schools.

His energy and enthusiasm has acted as a magnet to our young people as he journeyed with them on pilgrimages to 2 World Youth Days, inspired and challenged at Our Youth Spectaculars, and other countless events where the firmness of his faith and his unconditional love was a source of inspiration.

As my liaison to the interfaith community, he fostered healthy and respectful relationships with people of many faith traditions. I also valued his work with the healthcare community and the way he represented me on the campuses of our Catholic institutions of higher education in San Antonio.

The Diocese of Las Cruces indeed will be blessed by his uncommon leadership and unique ability to build bridges between people, inspiring thoughtful relationships built on respectful dialogue in a spirit of unity and faith. They will soon learn the message of his motto, "Zeal for the Lord's house consumes me,” is a driving force in his life. His passionate commitment to his calling will always be a source of God's grace to them.

I will personally miss his constant presence, valued friendship, and the tireless collaboration we shared in our ministry. I will continue to pray that through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Bishop Cantú's missionary spirit and prophetic voice will enrich the work of the Church in his new diocese for years to come.

I also offer my prayers of thanksgiving for 30 years of faithful ministry of Bishop Ricardo Ramírez, C.S.B. May the Lord bless him with good health and happiness in his retirement.