Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez delivered his first remarks as the newly ordained bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach, expressing gratitude and outlining his vision for the diocese. He emphasized unity within the Church and referenced St. Augustine’s words: “With you I am a Christian; for you I am a bishop.” Bishop Rodríguez said, “Indeed, together we share the same faith and the same commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, it is now my vocation and solemn responsibility to be, for you in this Diocese of Palm Beach, a shepherd and guardian of the faith we hold in common.”
He acknowledged his predecessor, Bishop Gerald Barbarito, noting that under his leadership and through the service of priests, deacons, and lay collaborators, parishioners experienced “the renewing power” of divine love. He encouraged continued dedication to prayer, evangelization, sacramental life, charity work—including visiting the sick and imprisoned—and support for immigrants and youth education.
Bishop Rodríguez called on parishioners not to let hatred or bitterness take root but instead to rely on Christ’s love: “We must not allow ourselves to be poisoned by hatred or bitterness, which belong to mentalities foreign to our faith and our identity as Church.”
He highlighted examples from Church history where individuals served beyond their native lands—such as Father Thomas F. Reilly in the Dominican Republic and Father Stanley Rother in Guatemala—as models of courage and renewal. He reflected on his own journey from Moca in the Dominican Republic through Brooklyn before arriving at Palm Beach.
Addressing various groups within the diocese—priests, seminarians (“Take courage! St. John Bosco promised his boys three things: ‘bread, work and paradise.’ I will add two more: good health and car insurance —and many followers on Instagram”), deacons (“Be encouraged—I am here to support and serve you”), parents (“Count on me—you and your families are our highest priority”), grandparents (“You are a treasure; I rely on you as teachers and guides”), parishioners (“Do not be afraid—Christ is our freedom”), youth (“We are going to do great things together—prepare yourselves for World Youth Day”), children (“You are our peace troops…Jesus blesses you”), diocesan staff (“Let’s keep the good work at the service of the Church…Thank you for your dedication”)—he pledged support.
He concluded with prayers for guidance from Mary, Joseph, Michael the Archangel, stating: “I cannot claim to know with certainty what the ultimate outcome of this journey will be…Yet, in His Holy Name let us begin.” The address ended with blessings offered in multiple languages.
