“A Conversation with Archbishop Gomez”

Does LMU have a charism? What about obligations? Are LMU’s goals unique because of its location in Los Angeles? The LMU and Place Series, is a collection of lectures and events that are aimed at engaging topics and questions of particular importance to LMU in its particular physical, historical, and societal location. As part of this series we look forward to welcoming Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, on January 30th to receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of his leadership role with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and his dedication to immigration reform, social justice, and the future of Catholic Education. After the ceremony Archbishop Gomez will present a lecture in support of ACTI’s conversation on “The Idea of the Catholic University in the 21st Century.” Archbishop Gomez will speak to the particular charisms and obligations of the Catholic University in the contemporary context, paying special attention to LMU’s presence in Southern California.

Below is a brief highlight of Archbishop’s biography and C.V.  More information about the event can be found here, and more information about Archbishop Gomez can be found here.

Biography of Archbishop Gomez

December 26, 1951
Born in Monterrey, Mexico, the son of Dr. José H. Gomez and Esperanza Velasco, both deceased. He has three older sisters and one younger sister.

August 15, 1978
Ordained a priest of the Opus Dei Prelature by the late Cardinal Franz König, Archbishop Emeritus of Vienna, at the Shrine of Torreciudad, Spain.

1975—1978
Awarded undergraduate degrees in accounting, philosophy and theology.

1980
Awarded doctorate in theology (S.T.D.), University of Navarre, Spain.

1987–2000
Exercised priestly ministry at Our Lady of Grace Parish, Archdiocese of San Antonio, and also at St. Bartholomew Parish in what was then the Diocese of Galveston-Houston.

March 26, 2001
Ordained Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Denver, having been appointed bishop by Pope St. John Paul II. As Auxiliary Bishop, served as Rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and then as Moderator of the Curia and pastor of Mother of God parish.

February 15, 2005
Installed Archbishop of San Antonio, appointed by Pope St. John Paul II.

April 6, 2010
Appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles by Pope Benedict XVI.

March 1, 2011
Succeeded as Archbishop of Los Angeles.

Select Memberships and Leadership Roles

Pontifical Commission for Latin America
Consultant, appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, 2008

Special Council for America of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops
Member, appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, 2010

Pontifical Council for Social Communications
Member, appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, 2012

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:

Vice President
2016–current

Committee on Migration
Chair, 2010–2013
Member, 2013–current

Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church
Chair, 2008–2010

Committee on Doctrine
Member, 2003–2011

Committee on Priestly Formation
Member, 2002–2006

Committee on Priestly Life and Ministry
Member, 2003–2006

Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America
Chair, 2009–2012
Member, 2012–current

Subcommittee on Hispanics and the Liturgy
Member, 2005–2013

Task Force on the Spanish Language Bible for the Church in America
Chair, 2003–current