2 Auxiliary Bishops Named for Archdiocese

Catholic Archbishop Roger M. Mahony this week announced that Pope John Paul II has named two new auxiliary bishops for the Los Angeles archdiocese, giving the nation’s most populous diocese a total of seven assistant bishops.

“With some 3.5 million Catholics in the archdiocese, our Holy Father has recognized our continuing growth,” Mahony said.

Msgrs. Stephen E. Blaire, 48, the archbishop’s chief administrator for the last few years, and Sylvester D. Ryan, 59, a former seminary rector, were appointed two weeks ago but the announcement was withheld until Mahony returned from a trip to Rome. Blaire will continue in his administrative role and Ryan will head the archdiocesan efforts to increase the numbers of priest and sisters, as well as oversee seminary operations.

The bishops-elect will be ordained May 31 at St. Vibiana Cathedral.