SEASIDE — “I come to you as I am, a brother and a servant, with gifts and many imperfections.”
That is how Bishop Ramón Bejarano introduced himself during the Mass where he was installed as the sixth bishop of Monterey on Feb. 19.
Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the pope’s representative in the United States, presented Bishop Bejarano with the apostolic mandate naming him bishop. Archbishop José Gomez, of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, presided over the Mass.
Around 1,000 people packed into a ballroom at the Embassy Suites hotel where the Mass was celebrated, including his mother, María Elena Silva Bejarano. She had traveled from Odessa, Texas, along with several family members and friends, which included his high school teacher from Chihuahua. They wore buttons with his photo as they mingled with other guests.
Cardinal Robert W. McElroy attended the Mass, as did Bishop Michael Pham and Auxiliary Bishop Felipe Pulido, of the Diocese of San Diego. The latter two comprised, along with Bishop Bejarano, the “Three Amigos” who once served under Cardinal McElroy together, before the cardinal was tapped to lead the the Archdiocese of Washington in early 2025.
Bishop John Dolan, of the Diocese of Phoenix, also attended, whom Bishop Bejarano called “a big brother” in his homily, referring to the time they served together in San Diego.
“I thank Pope Leo for entrusting me this Local Church,” Bishop Bejarano said, then outlined his priorities for the diocese he will lead.
“We have abundant opportunities to strengthen family life, to accompany youth and young adults, to deepen evangelization and catechesis, to foster Catholic education and promote vocations to the priesthood, religious life and holy matrimony. We must continue to protect children, care for the sick and love those with special needs.”
“My deepest desire is that every person in this diocese may encounter the Risen Christ.”
A large contingent from the Diocese of San Diego accompanied him, including dozens of clergy members and Pastoral Center staff. Bishop Bejarano served as auxiliary bishop there for five and a half years before Pope Leo named him to lead the Diocese of Monterey last December.
A group from the Diocese of Stockton, where Bishop Bejarano was ordained a priest and served for 21 years, also attended the Mass.
The Diocese of Monterey serves approximately 200,000 Catholics through 46 parishes and 18 schools. Located on the state’s Central Coast, the diocese covers four counties — Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo — and includes seven of California’s 21 historic Franciscan missions.
The resting place of St. Junipero Serra, who founded the missions, is in the Diocese of Monterey. His image graced the makeshift altar where Bishop Bejarano took over his flock.
