ROCHESTER, Minn. – The new bishop of the Winona-Rochester Catholic diocese, Robert Barron, known mostly for his Word on Fire media apostolate, was installed as bishop in a ceremony at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Barron noted an “urgent need” to draw young people back to the Church. He cited a disaffiliation rate of at least 50%. Barron is returning to the Midwest after almost seven years as auxiliary bishop in the Santa Barbara region in California. As a young priest in Chicago, Barron broadcast homilies on a local radio station, attracting the attention of Cardinal Francis George. The cardinal urged him to share his talents with the wider world. Barron then founded the Word on Fire ministry, which claims 3 million followers. Besides his new duties as Winona-Rochester Diocese, the bishop is continuing his weekly homilies on Word of Fire platforms.

Earlier: Pope chooses new Winona-Rochester bishop

Barron. Most recently an auxiliary bishop in Los Angeles. Age 63.