​Bishop Janak bids farewell to the Diocese of Victoria

Posted by:

Catholic News Agency

Bishop Janak bids farewell to the Diocese of Victoria


Bishop Gary Janak was installed as auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of San Antonio on April 20. 



To the Faithful in the Diocese of Victoria:


As I prepare to depart from the Diocese of Victoria, and begin my episcopal ministry in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, I do so with mixed feelings. I am grateful for the opportunity to be obedient to what the Church has asked of me, and honored by the trust Pope Francis has placed in me, yet I am overwhelmed at having to leave my home. The Diocese of Victoria is the only diocese I have ever known.

Being one of the first of five collegiate seminarians for the newly formed Diocese of Victoria in May of 1982, I have had the unique opportunity to witness the unfolding of faith and the development of the diocese, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year.

Bishop Charles Grahmann ordained me in Palacios on May 14, 1988. After two years of ministering with him, he was transferred to the Diocese of Dallas.

In 1990, Bishop Fellhauer became our bishop and I ministered with him for more than 25 years. What a joy it has been for me to do so. Bishop Fellhauer has become a true spiritual father to me. Since being named an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, he has greatly assisted me in this period of transition.

In June of 2015, Bishop Cahill was ordained as our bishop and, since that time, I have worked closely with him. I have watched and learned from him. I pray I can incorporate into my own episcopacy what he has embraced in his ministry — a love for the people he is called to serve and a true collaborator with his priests.

I offer my gratitude to the faithful of the Diocese of Victoria. Thank you for exemplifying to me the love of Christ and for showing me how to trust God and to love more deeply our Lord and Savior. I have had the privilege of serving in parishes in Victoria, Yoakum and El Campo. As vocation director in the 1990s, I traveled and preached in every parish in the diocese. As chancellor and vicar general, I have been blessed to serve the diocese and, in particular, to provide for the needs of our priests and deacons. What a joy it has been for me to serve you, in the Name of Christ.

As I prepare for my ordination on April 20, please pray for me. I have chosen, as my episcopal motto, “Give Your Servant a Listening Heart.” Pray that I will always listen to God and to the people I am called to serve. Again, thank you for your love and support. I will miss you and remain ever grateful to you and the Diocese of Victoria.