Metropolitan Borys Gudziak Participates in the Installation of the New Archbishop of Galveston-Houston

March 26, 2025

Metropolitan Borys Gudziak took part in the installation of the new Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez was installed as the third Archbishop of Galveston-Houston on March 25, 2025, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston, Texas.

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo presided over the installation, which was attended by numerous bishops, including Christophe Cardinal Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, as well as many clergy members.

In a letter to the newly installed Archbishop, Metropolitan Borys expressed his gratitude to the leadership and faithful of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston for their generosity toward the people of Ukraine, who continue to suffer due to the war. The Archdiocese is one of the major donors to the Metropolia Humanitarian Aid Fund and the Healing of the Wounds of War in Ukraine Fund.

“I am deeply grateful for the singular spiritual and material support that your archdiocese has extended to Ukraine under the guidance of your predecessor, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo. Your auxiliary bishop, Most Rev. Italo Dell’Oro, C.R.S., visited Ukraine to stand with those who suffer. The large-heartedness of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is known and deeply appreciated throughout the Church in Ukraine. Together, we remain united in solidarity to protect and support the most vulnerable and those in need,” wrote Archbishop Borys.

Archbishop Vásquez, 67, has led the Diocese of Austin since 2010. Additionally, he served as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Tyler from November 2023 until the installation of Tyler Bishop Gregory Kelly on February 24, 2025.

A priest for more than 40 years, Archbishop Vásquez was ordained a bishop in 2002 and served as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston until 2010, when he was appointed the fifth Bishop of Austin. He has shepherded the Diocese of Austin for the past 15 years.

During his eight years in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Archbishop Vásquez held several key positions, including Vicar General, Chancellor, Moderator of the Curia, Secretariat Director for Administration, and Vicar for Hispanics.