Espinoza Consecrated in Western Mexico
Episcopal News Service. July 9, 1981 [81203]
GUADALAJARA, Mexico -- A 38-year-old priest was ordained and consecrated here on June 28 as bishop coadjutor of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Mexico.
The Rev. Samuel Espinoza, vicar of the Church of St. Peter the Apostle in Mexicali, capital of the State of Baja California Norte, was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. John M. Allin, Presiding Bishop, assisted by co-consecrating Bishops Victor Rivera of San Joaquin, Leonardo Romero of Northern Mexico, Jose Guadalupe Saucedo of Central and South Mexico, and Melchor Saucedo of Western Mexico.
Espinoza, at age 38, is one of the youngest bishops of the Episcopal Church. He was elected last February to succeed the diocesan bishop, Melchor Saucedo, 60, who is planning to retire soon for health reasons.
Espinoza was consecrated at a noon service in the central courtyard of the former seminary here, known locally as The Internado. Lunch was served following the ceremony and the festivities continued into late afternoon.
The new bishop holds degrees from the Colegio Internacional de Mexico and St. Andrew's Seminary, both in Mexico City. Following his ordination as a priest in 1969, he had been in charge of the missionary work of the Episcopal Church around Mexicali.
The Diocese of Western Mexico was established in 1972 when the Episcopal Church in Mexico was divided into three dioceses. At present this vast area is served by 10 clergy and many lay readers.