It was announced on July 11, 2018, that Pope Francis has named Bishop Oscar Cantú, currently Bishop of Las Cruces, New Mexico, as Coadjutor Bishop of San Jose.
Most Reverend Oscar Cantú, S.T.D was born December 5, 1966, in Houston, 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 University of St. Thomas also in Houston. He attended the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome Italy where he earned his S.T.L. Licentiate in Sacred Theology, as well as his S.T.D., Doctorate in Sacred Theology in Dogmatic Theology. Bishop Cantú was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Houston in 1994.
He spent his priestly career working in parishes throughout the 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 also participated in number of ministries and movements 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 ministry. Bishop Cantú was also involved in The Metropolitan Organization (TMO) that addresses social issues in the community.
Bishop Cantú was ordained a bishop 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. He will become the third Bishop of San Jose upon the retirement of Bishop Patrick J. McGrath.
We warmly welcome Bishop Cantú and we look forward to working with him to build up the coming Kingdom of God in this small portion of the vineyard of the Lord.
A Mass of Welcome to the Diocese of San Jose will be celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph on September 28, 2018.
Statement of Bishop Patrick J. McGrath
July 11, 2018
It was with great joy that I received news that Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Oscar Cantú, currently Bishop of Las Cruces in New Mexico, as Coadjutor Bishop of San Jose.
I congratulate Bishop Cantú on his appointment and thank him for his willingness to come west. I look forward to collaborating with him in our ministry of service to the people of this local Church.
As we prepare to welcome Bishop Cantú to San Jose, I ask the people of this Diocese and all of our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic Church to join us in praying for Bishop Cantú.
I know that the new bishop will be eager to come to know the people of the parishes, schools and other institutions of the Diocese, and that he will be as impressed with the work of the clergy, religious and laity as I am.
We will celebrate the Mass of Welcome for Bishop Cantú at the Cathedral Basilica of
Saint Joseph on September 28, 2018.