Following is the prepared text for Bishop Olmsted’s remarks upon the acceptance of his retirement and the appointment of Most Rev. John P. Dolan, Auxiliary Bishop of San Diego, as 5th bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix.
June 10, 2022
It is my honor to welcome our new bishop to the Diocese of Phoenix. I give thanks to God and our Holy Father Pope Francis for sending us a brother bishop and one of the most respected priests of the Diocese of San Diego.
Bishop John Dolan brings with him many years of dedicated service and pastoral leadership in a diocese built on the inspiring legacy of St. Junipero Serra.
As a priest, Bishop Dolan served as pastor of several large parishes with thriving schools and growing populations. More recently, he has served as Vicar for Priests and Vicar General. This means he has many years of valuable experience of working with school boards, finance councils, priests and deacons in deanery meetings, diocesan staff, civic officials, and the joy of priestly fraternity.
Being a native son of California, Your Excellency, you are well acquainted with the zeal and apostolic holiness of St. Junipero Serra. Here in Arizona, you will come to know another great missionary who labored tirelessly to share the Gospel of Christ with the Native people of southern Arizona and northern Mexico: Padre Eusebio Kino of the Society of Jesus.
My brother in Christ, you will also find joy in coming to know and collaborate with the many faithful priests, deacons, men and women religious, and talented lay leaders who have been my closest collaborators and truly missionary disciples of Jesus.
Even though you have spent your life in service of Christ near the Pacific Ocean of California, I know you will appreciate the beauty of the desert and those whom Jesus has called to be his faithful witnesses here.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, I have no doubt that you will quickly come to know our new bishop’s joyful spirit and generous heart, who, like me, gives thanks each day for the love of Jesus and the honor to be His servant.
Please join me in welcoming Bishop John Dolan.
