SAN DIEGO — “I figured this day was coming, and I dreaded it. …
“I hate to lose not just a wonderful bishop and leader, but also a friend.”
That was how Jesuit Father Scott Santarosa, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Barrio Logan, received the news Dec. 17 that Pope Leo XIV had appointed Auxiliary Bishop Ramón Bejarano as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Monterey, California.
It’s a sentiment shared by many local Catholics.
“We will lose a wonderful person, a gentle soul and a strong advocate for peace and justice in our Diocese of San Diego,” said Bishop Michael Pham. “The Diocese of Monterey will gain a bishop who has the heart of the Good Shepherd.”
Bishop Pham said that the installation Mass likely will take place in March in Monterey.
Bishop Bejarano, formerly a priest of the Diocese of Stockton, was appointed auxiliary bishop of San Diego almost six years ago. But the COVID-19 pandemic delayed then Father Bejarano’s consecration as a bishop; initially set for April 21, 2020, it was postponed to July 14.
He serves as Vicar for Ethnic and Intercultural Communities; Vicar for Life, Peace and Justice; and Vicar for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs.
Rick Stewart, leader of the Diocesan Commission for African American Catholics, described Bishop Bejarano as “a compassionate leader, great listener and very empathetic.”
“Bishop Bejarano has a genuine concern for the plight of African American people and people of color across the United States,” said Stewart, who appreciated that the bishop “took the time to learn about the culture” and “never tried to force his ideas, using his position in the Church.”
Luis Barajas, who leads the Diocesan Commission for Spanish-Speaking Catholics, called the bishop “a great example of service to others, never showing a preference among our groups, (but) always accompanying each one in due time.”
“We love him and we’re going to miss him,” said Barajas. “He will forever have a place in our hearts and will always be in our prayers.”
Rosemary Benefield, founder and CEO of the post-abortion healing ministry Rachel’s Hope, is also appreciative of the bishop’s ministry.
“I’m sorry to hear he will be leaving us,” she said, recalling his support for the pro-life movement.
“When I sat next to him at a (Spanish-language) Rachel’s Hope event and the speaker gave his talk in Spanish, he interpreted it for me,” she said. “He was always so considerate of others.”
Benefield said that Bishop Bejarano was the keynote speaker — and gave “a wonderful, moving talk” — at Rachel’s Hope’s 30th anniversary celebration in October of 2024.
Many have remarked on Bishop Bejarano’s personal touch.
Father Santarosa hailed him as “a true servant-bishop,” who “overflows with pastoral care for people from all walks of life.”
Bishop Bejarano coordinated the diocese’s work on immigration.
Father Santarosa recalled a recent prayer vigil outside the federal building in downtown San Diego. The event was held in solidarity with immigrants who were being detained in the building, and Bishop Bejarano was the last speaker.
“I was trying to bring the gathering to a close, because our buses were waiting,” said Father Santarosa. “But he had things to say, and he would not relinquish the microphone. It was a little comical, the tug-of-war we were having, he and I. But I am so glad he spoke, because it was the most passionate I think I have ever seen him.”
He also shared the “wonderful image” of the bishop blessing parishioners after Mass.
“There would always be a line of people asking for his blessing,” he said, “and he took the time to talk with people and ask them what they wanted the blessing for.”
At an assembly of Pastoral Center staff on the day of the announcement, Bishop Pham prayed for Bishop Bejarano’s future.
“May God continue blessing him with a joyful heart and peaceful spirit,” he said. “May our Blessed Mother Mary continue walking with him in his life ministry.”
