Bishop Ramirez to Announce Successor

Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces
January 9, 2013

http://www.dioceseoflascruces.org/

Las Cruces, New Mexico, January 9, 2013: The Most Reverend Ricardo Ramírez, C.S.B, the first and only Roman Catholic Bishop of Las Cruces, to date, announced his retirement on his 75th birthday in 2011. Since that time, Bishop Ramírez has been leading the diocese in prayer for a new bishop, a leader who will guide with wisdom, truth, compassion and care.

Pope Benedict XVI has now chosen his successor and Bishop will announce the name of his successor at a press conference at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (1240 S. Espina) on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 10:00 AM.

In 1982, Bishop Ramírez was appointed by Pope John Paul II to lead the newly formed Diocese of Las Cruces. Bishop accepted the position and took his newly formed diocese from a blank sheet of paper to the thriving diocese that it is today, 30 years later. Along the way he became one of the most preeminent Hispanic bishops in the country.

Bishop Ramírez is an educator, theologian, peacemaker, and spiritual leader for all faiths. Bishop is well-known for his unifying multicultural and ecumenical approach to evangelization and service. During the last three decades, Bishop Ramírez reached out to others to build communities of love, justice, forgiveness and reconciliation. Bishop Ramírez is a humble shepherd whose lifelong endeavors have made a unique contribution in affirming life’s spiritual dimension.

Bishop Ramírez’ exemplary spiritual leadership has impacted the hearts of people throughout southern New Mexico, the nation and the world. Bishop is recognized globally for his work on behalf of international religious freedom, his pastoral letters dealing with handing on the faith to the next generations, border issues, and domestic violence. Bishop Ramírez is a nominee for the 2013 Templeton Prize.

Through the grace of God, Bishop organized a strong diocese. Bishop will hand over to his successor, a diocese that is a unique church with its own identity, its own gifts and its own challenges.