The Diocese of Corpus Christi announced the appointment of its ninth bishop.

Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Mario Alberto Avilés on Dec. 1, according to a news release from the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

Avilés succeeds Wm. Michael Mulvey, who led the diocese since 2010.

Avilés was ordained to the priesthood on July 21, 1998, at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine in San Juan, Texas. After his ordination, he was appointed parochial vicar at St. Jude Thaddeus Church in Pharr. He also served as a teacher and principal at his congregation's school.

“We welcome Bishop-designate Avilés with open hearts and deep prayer,” Mulvey said in the news release. “As we begin the holy season of Advent, a time of hope and joy, we are reminded that Christ continues to guide

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