New Auxiliary Bishop Is Youngest In U.S.

DETROIT (WWJ) - The pope has named a new auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Detroit.  At age 41, Father Jose Arturo Cepeda will become the youngest bishop in the United States when he is ordained next month at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit. 

Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron said Cepada will pay particular attention to the Hispanic community. 

"Bishop Cepeda comes to us with an apostolic mission to use all of his many gifts and talents for the service of the whole People of God in Southeast Michigan - with particular attention to that portion of our family which is Hispanic," Archbishop Vigneron said in a statement.

"I know she will help him to share his gifts with us, so that all of us, from so many diverse cultures, will share our gifts of grace with one another," he said.

Born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, Cepada came to the U.S. with his family at age 19, while already pursuing a life in the priesthood. He was ordained a priest on June 1, 1996, at his home parish of St. Mary Magdalen in San Antonio.

Cepada said he's exited about coming to Detroit -- although he has never yet visited the city itself.  The closest he's been is to Metro Airport. 

"God is the One who does all the work and gives us all the grace we need. All we need to do is say 'yes,' just like Mary. That's my attitude. I will learn much from the Church of Detroit."