A change of bishops in Amarillo

The Holy Father has accepted the retirement of the Most Reverend John Walter Yanta as Bishop of Amarillo, Texas, and has named as his successor the Most Reverend Patrick James Zurek, up to now Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio.

Bishop Zurek was born in 1948 in Sealy, Texas and raised in nearby Wallis. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Chemistry from the University of Houston. He attended Houston’s St. Mary Seminary for philosophy studies and completed his ecclesiastical studies in Rome at the Pontifical North American College, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Theology at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (the Angelicum) and a License in Moral Theology at the Alphonsian Academy.

He was ordained a priest in Rome by Pope Paul VI on June 29, 1975 for the Diocese of Austin, Texas. Returning to that diocese, he served in various positions: Assistant Pastor in 2 parishes for 6 years, founding Pastor of a parish in the university area for 10 years, and Pastor of another parish of the same time for 5 years. His Diocesan positions included Director for the continuing formation of priests, Vocations Director, and member of the Presbyteral Council. He also served as Vice President and President of the National Council of Vocation Directors.

He was named Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio ten years ago this Saturday and was consecrated February 16, 2008.

He speaks English, Italian, Spanish and Czech.

Ad multos annos.