I offer heartfelt congratulations to my new brother Bishop-elect Michael Olson.  I am extremely pleased that our Holy Father Pope Francis has appointed him as the new Bishop of Fort Worth.

After being without a bishop for more than a year, I am very happy for the people of the Diocese of Fort Worth because they are being rewarded for their patience with the appointment of a proven, exceptionally capable and pastoral leader.  Bishop-elect Olson’s experience and diverse background make him an outstanding choice to lead the growing Diocese of Fort Worth.

Since July 1, 2008, Bishop-elect Olson has served as the Rector of Holy Trinity Seminary in the Diocese of Dallas.  He has done an excellent job in that position and a tremendous service to the Church in the formation of future priests for the dioceses that have seminarians studying there.  In his five years as rector, Bishop-elect Olson has overseen extensive remodeling and staff expansion at Holy Trinity Seminary and under his leadership the number of seminarians has grown to near capacity.

I and the Diocese of Dallas have enjoyed many years of working with Bishop-elect Olson and look forward to continuing that collaborative relationship as he leads the Diocese of Fort Worth.

I ask all in the Diocese of Dallas to pray that God will bless and guide Bishop-elect Olson as he prepares for this important new role as Chief Shepherd of the Diocese of Fort Worth.  I wish him every success!