Ad Limina

Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg

Greetings in the Lord!

As many are aware, according to canon 401 of the Code of Canon Law, bishops are requested to submit a letter of resignation to the Supreme Pontiff upon reaching their 75^th birthday.   Accordingly, prior to my own 75^th birthday of March 3, I have submitted that letter to Pope Leo XIV via the Papal Nunciature.  My present status as Bishop of Pueblo continues until my resignation is accepted by the Holy See, and my replacement is announced.  As you may recall, when I arrived twelve years ago, the diocese had been a vacant see and without a bishop for some time.  In this present situation I will continue my ministry as your bishop and fulfill all episcopal obligations as before, until a new bishop is welcomed into the diocese.

In the process of transitioning of bishops, we note that Archbishop Samuel Aquila, Archdiocese of Denver, is now officially retired.  We thank him for his support and encouragement over many years and keep him in our prayers.  Bishop James Golka, of the Diocese of Colorado Springs, has now been announced as the next Archbishop of Denver.  He will be consecrated as the new archbishop on March 25.   We pray for Archbishop-elect Golka upon his acceptance of this new responsibility, as we thank Our Lord for bringing us another dedicated and inspiring archepiscopal leader.   

"In this present situation I will continue my ministry as your bishop and fulfill all episcopal obligations as before, until a new bishop is welcomed into the diocese."

There are now some 30+ dioceses and archdioceses in the United States, including Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and, locally, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, which are in transition and awaiting the announcement of a new bishop.  I do not know how long it will take to fill all these positions; the discernment, offering and accepting of the episcopal office is a complicated process.  Anecdotally, I personally know bishops who continued in office for quite some time past the retirement age before being replaced.  As to that process of selection of new bishops, I have no information how that may happen.  The best answer to why and how I was chosen twelve years ago to be your bishop was given by a second grader in one of our Catholic schools.  That is, that you prayed for me.

In my letter I indicated to the Holy Father my intentions to continue my residence in Pueblo and to be of assistance as may be determined.  I have several ideas about how that can work, and am intrigued by the possibilities.  In the meantime, preparing for the transition into new leadership, we shall listen, watch, pray and work together in little ways to serve Our Lord.  Our Lenten journey takes on a new aspect of Ad Limina, towards the threshold; we are being prepared.  Jesus knows what we need and is taking care of everything.  With confidence we pray for our bishop of the future, and with humble gratitude I thank you for the privilege of being yours. 

So we move forward: the road to Easter is open!

+Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg

Bishop of Pueblo

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