The Rt. Rev. Antonio José Gallardo Lucena of St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church was ordained and consecrated the eighth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles on July 11 – the first Latino to hold the office “in the spirit of love and truth” as hundreds applauded, whistled and cheered in a festive multilingual ceremony celebrating the diocese’s rich cultural diversity and “God, doing a new thing.”

Korean drummers were called out for a joyful welcome as hundreds of lay, clergy and ecumenical colleagues gathered at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena where the Venezuela-born Gallardo L. had served as pastor for Latino ministries from 2015 to 2019.

The inter-tribal Native American Sisters of the One Drum led processions of more than 30 bishops from across The Episcopal Church. Thousands more joined the live-streamed celebration in watch parties at churches and from homes across the six-county diocese.

Prayers offered in the Four Sacred Directions from “First Women Gather Around the Fire” began the service, followed by acknowledgement that the church sits on land formerly occupied by the Tongva people.

A moment of silence recalled victims of the June 24 earthquakes that struck Venezuela, killing nearly 4,000, injuring another 16,000 and displacing more than 18,000.

The offertory collection was dedicated to support Episcopal Relief and 

Development’s International Disaster Fund. The organization is providing critical relief and long-term recovery support. More than 1,200 watched the liturgy online while some 800 were present in the church sanctuary. 

Gallardo L.’s election represents “God doing a new thing,” according to the Rev. Norma Guerra, rector emergent of St. Paul’s Church in Tustin, preaching in Spanish and English amid laughter, applause, cheers and choruses of “amens.” The ceremony was celebrated on the feast of St. Benedict of Nursia.

“One of the most important things to remind you is you are not alone in this journey; God is by your side and we are, too,” Guerra said, offering advice from her father, the Rt. Rev. Armando Guerra, who had served as bishop of Guatemala from 1982 to 2018 and archbishop of the Anglican Church in Central America from 2010 to 2015.

“I know you can feel the love in this room and across the diocese and across the distance all the way to Venezuela and in other places,” she said. “Because the Spirit of God is moving in Los Angeles. My brother, we are in this together.

“You also stand on the shoulders of earlier bishops whose faith and integrity have provided a sure foundation and cornerstone for your ministry. You have the wisdom and support of your fellow bishops and a wonderful diocesan staff,” said Guerra, who until February 2026 had served as diocesan associate for formation and transition ministry. 

“Each of them is a treasure; their commitment and love for this diocese is evident in everything they do,” she added.

Written by Pat MCCAUGHAN