Humble was the word that parishioners in the Diocese of Orange used to describe the personality of their new Auxiliary Bishop, Cirilo Flores, ordained March 19.

Among his accomplishments: increasing the collection in one church, the growth of the Latino community at another parish, and his interest for keeping a harmonious fellowship among parishioners.

"He is such a humble man," said Roberta Ninichuck of St. Anne Parish in Santa Ana, where Bishop Flores served as pastor for eight years. "In a few years he increased the collection and got people together," she said.

"He is a beautiful and approachable person, who made many changes at the church, such as cleaning it and establishing close relationships with parishioners," said Rebecca Serrano, a parishioner of St. Anne since 1960.

Ninichuck and her daughter Mary Gonzalez, and Serrano were first in line at their parishes to get the tickets to attend the ordination at St. Columban Church in Garden Grove. Also on hand were leaders of Jewish, Eastern Orthodox, Mormon, Muslims and Christian Protestants faiths, as well as Catholic bishops from throughout the West.

The new bishop, a practicing lawyer before entering Camarillo's St. John's Seminary in 1986, was ordained a priest in 1991. He was appointed auxiliary bishop by Pope Benedict XVI from among the 297 priests serving in Orange to work with Orange Bishop Tod D. Brown and Auxiliary Bishop Dominic M. Luong in administering the diocese.

Since its inception in 1976, this diverse community has grown to 1.2 million Catholics and 59 parishes. Bishop Flores fills the vacancy created when former Auxiliary Bishop Jaime Soto was named Bishop of Sacramento.

'A huge love for God'
Even parishioners from other areas made sure to be present at the "once-in-a-lifetime ceremony."

"I don't think I will see an ordination like this in my life anymore, so I asked a friend to get me a ticket," said Geraldina Barahona, parishioner at St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, which borders Orange County in the Los Angeles Archdiocese. "He (Bishop Flores) is such a humble man with a huge love for God."

Although Bishop Flores won't leave his pastoral duties at St. Norbert Church in Orange until July 1 (when he will be replaced by Father Pat Rudolph, current pastor of St. Irenaeus in Cypress,) his parishioners already feel sad.

"He will be missed," said Miguel Carbajal, who with wife Carmen and their children has attended St. Norbert for the last 16 years.

"He always leaves a footprint with his homilies," added Carmen. "They are so clear, straight to the point. They are food for reflection during the whole week until the following Sunday."

Bishop Flores was appointed as St. Norbert's pastor only last September, but "in this short time Latino parishioners have increased about 40 percent in our church," said Miguel. He recalled when there were few Masses scheduled on Sunday, all of them in English, which was hard for them to understand.

Now there are five Masses in English, and one in Spanish, all usually packed, according to the Carbajals, whose children attend the parish's K-8 school.

'Listen to the parishioners'
In his homily, Bishop Brown affirmed the parishioners' statements. "When we say bishop, we think of Christ as a good shepherd who knows his sheep and doesn't hesitate to give his life for them," he said. "Bishops speak truth in season and out of season and conform their lives to the will of God."

He said bishops must have a dream --- "to inspire the people of God to carry out the Gospel right here right now. And God adorns the person with gifts to fulfill the task." Looking at Bishop Flores, he said in an advisory tone, "Listen to the parishioners and do not neglect what the poor have to say."

After the Rite of Ordination, Bishop Flores thanked Cardinal Roger Mahony, Bishop Brown, all the people of the diocese and all in attendance. Switching from English to Spanish, he asked them to "never underestimate the importance of the priests."

Then he addressed the pastors. "Invite the laity to follow leadership and continue to give your life in service to our Lord," he told them.

Finally, he promised to be a good bishop, to be "humble, present to work for the poor, for the unwelcome," and thanked God for the challenge bestowed on him.

A few days before his ordination, Bishop Flores told The Tidings that his appointment took him by surprise. (He learned about it two weeks before the appointment was made public on Jan. 5.)

"I felt surprise, excitement, and doubt if I was worthy enough," he admitted. "But now I am able to sleep." It is easier, he explained, knowing that he has always had the support of the "wonderful priests and community" of the diocese.