VATICAN CITY, JAN. 23, 2001 (Zenit.org).-
John Paul II has named Father José H. Gómez of Opus Dei as auxiliary of the Archdiocese of Denver, Colorado. Father Gomez is the first priest incardinated in the Prelature of Opus Dei to be named a bishop in the United States.
He was also made titular bishop of Belali. Father Gómez had been delegate of the Opus Dei prelature in the state of Texas.
Father Gómez was born Dec. 26, 1951. in Monterrey, Mexico. He has been a U.S. citizen since Dec. 15, 1995. Prior to undertaking studies for the priesthood, he obtained a diploma in economics from Monterrey´s National University in Mexico (1975). In addition, he obtained a baccalaureate in philosophy (1975). From 1975 to 1980, he attended courses in theology at the University of Navarre in Spain, where he obtained a baccalaureate and a licentiate in theology.
Father Gómez was ordained a priest of the Opus Dei prelature on Aug. 15, 1978.
The new auxiliary has held the following posts: chaplain of a college and secondary school in Mexico (1980-1987); responsible for youth in the Fatima deanery of the Monterrey diocese (1985-1987); he has been entrusted with different pastoral tasks for Opus Dei in Texas (1987-1999), and was elected twice as president of the National Association of Hispanic Priests. Since 1999 he has been vicar delegate of Opus Dei for the state of Texas.
