tvc.dsj.org | May 21, 2019
IN THE DIOCESE
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Bishop Oscar Cantú
Most Reverend Oscar Cantú, S.T.D,
was born December 5, 1966, in Hous-
ton, TX, the son of Ramiro and Maria
de Jesus Cantú, natives of small towns
near Monterrey in Mexico. He is the
fifth of eight children, five boys, and
three girls. Bishop Cantú attended Holy
Name Catholic School and St. Thomas
High School in Houston, and he earned
his Bachelor of Arts degree from the
University of Dallas, TX. He received
his Masters in Divinity and Masters in
Theological Studies from the Univer-
sity of St. Thomas, also in Houston. He
attended the Pontifical Gregorian Uni-
versity in Rome Italy where he earned
his S.T.L. Licentiate in Sacred Theology,
as well as his S.T.D., Doctorate in Sa-
cred Theology in Dogmatic Theology.
Bishop Cantú was ordained a priest of
the Diocese of Houston in 1994.
He spent his priestly career work-
i ng i n pa r i shes t h roug hout t he
Houston metropolitan area. His first
assignment was as parochial vicar at
St. Christopher Parish. He also taught
at the University of St. Thomas and at
St. Mary’s Seminary. He also served as
pastor at Holy Name Parish.
Bishop Cantú participated in a
number of ministries and move-
ments in Houston. He was involved
in the Christian Family Movement,
conducted retreats with the youth of
the CFM movement in the Galveston-
Houston Archdiocese; and worked
with the Engaged Encounter minis-
try. Bishop Cantú was also involved
in The Metropolitan Organization
(TMO) that addresses social issues in
the community.
Bishop Cantú was ordained a bish-
op in 2008 and was appointed Titular
Bishop of Dardano and Auxiliary
Bishop of San Antonio. In 2013, Bishop
Cantú was appointed as second bishop
of the Diocese of Las Cruces, NM. He
was installed as bishop on February
28, 2013, by Metropolitan Archbishop,
Most Reverend Michael J. Sheehan,
Archbishop of Santa Fe.
On July 11, 2018, it was announced
by Most Reverend Christophe Pierre,
Apostolic Nuncio, that Pope Francis
had appointed Bishop Cantú as the
Coadjutor Bishop of San Jose. Bishop
Cantú was welcomed to the Diocese
of San Jose in September.
Bishop Cantú became the third
Bishop of San Jose on May 1, 2019 after
Bishop Patrick McGrath retired.
Photos courtesy of Bishop Cantú
Creating a Culture of Vocations
As part of Bishop Oscar Cantú’s
Mass of Thanksgiving on the 25 th
Anniversary of his ordination to the
priesthood, the Bishop shared some
observations regarding the Diocese as
we move forward as a diocesan family.
Among several initiatives the Bishop
announced was the launch of “Creating
a Culture of Vocations.”
For Bishop Cantú, this project be-
gins with us and with our families.
Each Parish and School was commis-
sioned with a crucifix made especially
for this program. By encouraging our
families to pray together and dialogue
about our faith, our hope is that young-
er generations will open their hearts
and minds to God’s plan for them and
for the Church.
The Crucifix is to be passed on from
family to family in your parish (class-
room to classroom in your school) on
a weekly basis. It can be presented to
the new family/classroom at the end of
Sunday (weekly) Mass, providing an
opportunity to keep the topic of voca-
tions front and center.
For more information about the
initiative, and to watch a video from
the Bishop in English, Spanish or Viet-
namese, visit www.dsj.org.
To ask for additional crucifixes for
your parish please contact Anabella
Estrada, [email protected].