New Bishop for Arkansas: A Po-Hi Graduate

A New Bishop for Arkansas: A Po-Hi Graduate

St. Mary’s Parish joins Oklahoma parishes and ministries in congratulating Bishop Anthony Taylor on this new spiritual responsibility as the 7th Bishop of Little Rock. Pope Benedict XVI has chosen a gifted, hardworking and faithful priest for this shepherding role to the Catholic Church and her people in Arkansas.

Special congratulations also to his parents, Basil & Rachel Taylor. Bishop Taylor is the eldest of seven children – two of them also parishioners here at St. Mary’s – Paul (Suzanne) Taylor and Mary (David) Gamble. Fr. Taylor among his many talents has a gift of languages. He has served in the Archdiocese in many capacities. His assistance to the growing need for Hispanic ministry in the archdiocese and advocacy for them is just one of them. Various times he has helped us with the Spanish Mass and also the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Spanish.

Recently, after Archbishop Beltran received permission to proceed in the lengthy process for the cause of beautification and canonization of Fr. Stanley Rother – who was martyred in Guatemala – he became Archbishop’s delegate and headed up this Tribunal (among the many other things, he personally interviewed Guatemalan witnesses for this process).

Bishop Taylor is a Po-Hi graduate (1972) and also attended Woodlands, St. Mary’s Catholic School and Unity High (an ecumenical venture of the late 60’s). His academic journey continued from the University of Oklahoma, Norman, to St. Menraid’s Seminary, Indiana preceding his four years at the North America College, Rome, where he graduated from the highly respected Gregorian University. In 1989, he earned a doctorate in Biblical Theology from Fordam University, New York.

Many remember Fr. Tony as a parishioner, student or Ponca City Newspaper carrier. All these Ponca City roots will give special vitality to his episcopal ministry. To be a shepherd of a dioceses in today’s world is a major challenge. As we rejoice with him, please remember him in your prayers so that he may know of our love and support.