Fort Worth's New Bishop Ordained Wednesday

The Fort Worth Diocese has a new leader.

On Wednesday, Bishop Michael Olson was ordained in front of about 8,500 people at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

At 47 years old, he is the second youngest bishop ever to be appointed in the U.S.

Typically, bishops are appointed to a diocese other than where they have been serving, but Olson has lived in North Texas since the mid-80s. Most recently, he served as the rector at Holy Family Seminary in Irving.

During the ordination, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano read the Apostolic Mandate written for the occasion by Pope Francis.

In an interview prior to his installation, Olson told NBC 5 News, he was surprised and humbled when he got the call about his appointment.

"I was sort of numb, I guess," said Olson. "I don't think I was prepared for that call but with God's help, I was able to answer the call."

Olson says he hopes to lead the Fort Worth Catholic congregations in a way that results in greater evangelism and outreach to the poor.

The administrator of the Fort Worth Diocese, Stephen J. Berg, was also recently appointed as a bishop. He will be installed in the Pueblo, Colo., Diocese next month.

Editor's note: We initially reported that Bishop Michael Olson was ordained in front of about 15,000 people. He was ordained in front of about 8,500 people. We apologize for the error. The story has been updated.

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