To state the obvious, Bishop Robert Barron is a gift to the Church. His success on social media, his engagement with the religious and secular world should be a model for all priests and bishops. He doesn't do it alone, he has a team that helps him make his Word on Fire videos and posts so engaging but its his personality too. He comes across as authentic and of course he's very bright and knowledgable. I've learned a lot from his videos and talks on Youtube.
His recent appointment as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, and his installation on July 29th, is yet another honor in his remarkable priesthood. I think it was a sacrifice for him to have had to leave sunny California to go back to the Midwest, but he's familiar with Midwest winters as he is from the Chicago area. And as he was told at his installation Mass, he'll have to get his winter coat out of storage,,,,(I'm paraphasing!). But he will......its a big change in lifestyle for him. Part of the sacrifice priests make.
And so what can other priests and bishops learn from Bishop Barron? I think they could learn a lot. Engage with the secular world, use social media to spread the good news, try to reach out to the "nones," as Bishop Barron always voices his concern about them and use the resources of the Church to evangelize and be creative.
Catholics all over the world, who follow him on social media are praying for him and rooting for him. The people of Minnesota are thrilled!
NJA
