New Coadjutor Bishop: ‘I Am Here to Listen and Learn’

By Denis Grasska

SAN DIEGO — As San Diego’s new coadjutor bishop, Bishop Cirilo Flores has already been asked about his plans for the diocese.

But he says he has come to San Diego “with absolutely no preconceived notions, or plans or agenda.”

“I am here to listen and learn,” said Bishop Flores, 64, during a Jan. 6 press conference at the diocesan Pastoral Center. “Bishop [Robert H.] Brom is the bishop of San Diego until the day he retires. I have much to learn from him regarding the gifts and challenges, resources and stewardship of this diocese.”

Bishop Flores, formerly the auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Orange, was appointed as coadjutor bishop of San Diego, effective Jan. 4. As such, he will succeed Bishop Brom, who has shepherded the Diocese of San Diego since 1990 and is scheduled to retire in 2013.

“As coadjutor bishop of San Diego, I hope to be of assistance to Bishop Brom during this time of transition, as we share the tasks of teaching, sanctifying and governing the Local Church,” Bishop Flores said. “I look forward to meeting the people of the diocese, getting to know our priests and deacons, religious women and men, and lay faithful.”

Bishop Flores admitted that he will miss the Diocese of Orange, where he has ministered exclusively since his priestly ordination in 1991. But he also expressed enthusiasm for his new assignment and said he eagerly awaits the opportunity to visit local parishes, schools and Church organizations. He prayed that, with God’s grace, he might be “a good shepherd” for his new flock.

“As I begin ministry here in this wonderful Diocese of San Diego, I ask for your prayers,” he said, as he concluded his prepared remarks. “May all our efforts be for the greater glory of God.”

After reading his statement, Bishop Flores welcomed questions from reporters. The first questioner began by describing San Diego as “a diocese that, at times, has had a troubled past”— an apparent reference to the clergy sex abuse scandal — and asked what Bishop Flores would say to those who have lingering concerns.

The new coadjutor bishop responded by drawing an analogy between the Local Church and a large family.

“I come from a very large family. My mom and dad have a combined 19 siblings,” he said. “In a large family, you have all kinds of people ... some following good paths and some running astray.”

He noted that the Church is not “a hotel for saints,” but rather “a hospital for sinners.”

When confronted with something as terrible as child sexual abuse committed by priests, he said, the Church is “filled with disappointment, and sorrow and anger.” But he added that the entire diocese must not be defined by the sins of a few of its members in decades past — especially if it means ignoring the tremendous good that the Local Church is doing in the present-day.

“The Diocese of San Diego is known nationally for wonderful works of charity, wonderful agencies, for a wonderful, strong presbyterate,” he said. “The Diocese of San Diego has so much to be proud of.”

Bishop Flores was born on June 20, 1948, in Corona, Calif., at a time when Corona was still part of the Diocese of San Diego. He was confirmed by San Diego’s founding bishop, Charles F. Buddy.

A graduate of Stanford University School of Law, he practiced civil law in Riverside and Los Angeles counties for 10 years before entering St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo in 1986.

He was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 1991, by Bishop Norman McFarland. After 18 years as a parochial vicar and pastor, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Orange on Jan. 5, 2009, and was consecrated as a bishop on March 19, 2009.

In addition to a press conference, Bishop Flores’ first day in San Diego also included a meeting with Pastoral Center staff, lunch with Bishop Brom and members of the diocesan Curia, an informal gathering with priests, and a social hour and dinner at St. Francis de Sales Center for Priests and Priestly Formation.

Bishop Flores will be formally received in the Diocese of San Diego with a Mass on Monday, Feb. 13.

The Southern Cross