The Episcopal News Service reports that the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico elected the Rev. Canon Rafael Morales over the weekend to be their next bishop. Pending canonical consents, Morales will succeed the Rt Rev. David Alvarez as Diocesan Bishop. Alvarez retired from twenty-four years in office in 2013. The Rt Rev. Wilfrido Ramos-Orench has served the diocese as Bishop Provisional since March 2014.
Morales was ordained a priest in 2011, and currently serves as the Rector of Parroquia Santa Maria Magdalena in Levittown, PR. His consecration is scheduled for July 2017.
Photo: via Parroquia Santa Maria Magdalena on Facebook
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Congratulations to the new bishop elect. Blessings of God upon him. Now, this five year rule… is it in the canons? Suppose a priest has been ordained in the RC Church for over twenty years, has changed to the Episcopal Church and his orders have been received for the two years, can he still be presented as a candidate to be elected bishop? Is this five years rule that rigid?
Nothing against him. Just that in my own experience, five years is “just getting started.” The long diaconate period is a plus.
Upward and onward!
Oh! Jay, the other thing, he was ordained Deacon 17 years ago. All people love him in this diocese. ????????????
Father Morales reacts to his election:
http://www.episcopalpr.org/images/pasted%20image%20607×3822.jpg
Yes Five years ordained.
Five years of an intense , vibrant and renewed ministry with his community and the whole Puertorrican I.E.P. We confy that his Work from July on will be for the transformation and Empowerment of all of us. Our Prayers are with him and all our Community. Grace be To our Lord for his election. The Learning proceda is for EVERYONE an endeavor but colectively is Stronger.