As Catholics in Tucson get ready to celebrate Christmas, they will also be celebrating a new bishop.
The Catholic Diocese today introduced Bishop-elect James Misko as Tucson's eighth bishop, overseeing some 400,000 Catholics in Southern Arizona.
Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas took a sigh of relief after learning that Pope Leo tapped Misko.
"It's wonderful to know that the diocese is in great hands," Kicanas said. "I know Archbishop Weisenburger feels the same. We're thrilled."
Kicanas has been serving as administrator of the Tucson Diocese since March, following Weisenburger's promotion to the Archbishop of Detroit.
Now, he passes the baton to Bishop-elect Misko, who comes to Tucson from his hometown of Austin, Texas.
"It is so overwhelming and a deep sense of gratitude and a deep sense of joy to be able to have a new family," Misko said in a press conference Monday morning, adding that he had a straightforward message for parishioners.
"We're on the road together and that's how I'm going to begin my ministry here in the Diocese of Tucson," he said. "I'm going to walk with you. We're going to be on the road together."
Misko is fluent in Spanish and said that he's aware that some in the Tucson community are frightened by recent immigration arrests.
He says nobody should be afraid to go to church.
"This is a very complicated issue, as we know, and the church is very clear on what she teaches; that a country does have the right, and responsibility, to maintain their borders, but to do so in a just way," Misko said. "A way that is, the foundation of which is God's good providence."
After meeting with priests and deacons, Misko co-celebrated the noon Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral, Downtown with Bishop Kicanas.
Misko will be installed as bishop on Feb. 20. Until then, he'll be referred to as bishop-elect.
Kicanas will continue to serve the diocese as bishop emeritus.
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Pat Parris is an anchor and reporter for KGUN 9. He is a graduate of Sabino High School where he was the 1982 high school state track champion in the 800 meters. While in high school and college, he worked part-time in the KGUN 9 newsroom. Share your story ideas and important issues with Pat by emailing pat.parris@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
