Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert's Statement
On Seventh Bishop Being Named for Little Rock

The following statement was given by Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert during the April 10 news conference to announce Bishop-elect Anthony Basil Taylor as the next bishop of Little Rock.

This is truly the day the Lord has made. We rejoice and are glad in it. This day is about Jesus Christ and all who live within him. It is about Jesus giving his apostles the power to teach, rule and sanctify. It is about apostolic succession. It is about the fullness of the priesthood possessed by the bishop of a diocese.

The Diocese of Little Rock was established 165 years ago. During that time we have had only six bishops, an average of almost 28 years per bishop, even though Bishop Sartain, our last ordinary, served here only six years.

Today Pope Benedict XVI has appointed the seventh bishop of Little Rock, Bishop-elect Anthony B. Taylor. “Good things come to those who wait.” Bishop Taylor is tailor-made by God for our diocese. With a doctorate in Scripture, he will proclaim the Word with authority.

Educated at the North American College in Rome, he received the best of education in Dogmatic and Moral theology. Fluent in Spanish, he has the capabilities to be a true shepherd to all Catholics in the diocese. Having chaired almost all of the boards of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma dealing with the clergy, he is knowledgeable about the concerns of his priests.

Having chaired the diaconate formation process, he will be invaluable to the new formation program we have just begun. His many other qualities and experiences as a priest make him the perfect choice as bishop for our diocese. Bishop Taylor the laity, religious, and priest of diocese welcome you with grateful and loving hearts.

Statement released April 10, 2008