The Vatican announced this morning that Father Robert Barron, popular founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries and host of the award-winning Catholicism film series has been appointed as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
In an announcement appearing on Father Barron’s Word on Fire blog, the Rector/President of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary will soon become a bishop assigned to serve in Los Angeles. His website reaches millions of people every year along with his regular videos on the faith which have received over 13 million views on YouTube. Next to Pope Francis, Father Barron is the most-followed Catholic leader on social media.
“It was with enormous surprise that I received word of my appointment as auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles, but it is with a humble and joyful heart that I accept it,” Bishop-Elect Barron said in a statement appearing on his blog.
“The Church of Los Angeles—the most populous in the United States—is energetic, diverse, and creative. Over the years, I’ve visited many times, including multiple trips to the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in Anaheim; most recently, I was in the Archdiocese for a lecture at Thomas Aquinas College. So though I can’t claim to know it well, I have been able to taste and see some of its richness.”
He goes on to applaud his late mentor, Francis Cardinal George, whom he refers to as the “grandfather” of Word on Fire.
“The mission closest to his heart was the evangelization of the culture, bringing Christ to the arenas of media, politics, law, education, the arts, etc. I can’t think of a more exciting field for this sort of work than Los Angeles, which is certainly one of the great cultural centers of our time.”
What does this mean for the future of Word on Fire?
“The short answer is that it will certainly continue! Through the ministrations of Fr. Steve Grunow and his extremely gifted staff, we will keep bringing you my regular articles, sermons, videos, and media resources.”
He goes on to highlight the many projects in the works, including a new film and study program on God and atheism entitled The Mystery of God and a new documentary, Catholicism: The Pivotal Players. Both projects will continue as planned with more to come in the future.
“It is a blessing for me to work with you to introduce people to Jesus Christ and invite them to share all the gifts he wants his people to enjoy,” he concluded. “Please pray for me as I begin this new adventure under the Lord’s providence.”
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