Bishop of Salt Lake City
Oscar Azarcon Solis was born on October 13, 1953, in San Jose City, Philippines. After completing his primary education at Saint Jose Elementary School, he entered the Maria Assumpta Minor Seminary in Cabanatuan, San Jose City. He attended Christ the King Seminary of the Society of the Divine Word for his philosophy studies and the Pontifical Royal Seminary at the University of Saint Thomas in Manila for his theology studies. He was ordained a priest on April 28, 1979, for the Diocese of Cabanatuan (Philippines). During those years, he held the following positions: Chaplain of the Christian Family Movement (1979–1980), Araullo University (1980–1984), and the Knights of Columbus (1982–1984); Secretary of the Association of Catholic School Directors (1981–1984); Diocesan Secretary of the Presbyteral Council (1981–1984); Prefect of Studies and Seminarian Formation (1980–1981); Diocesan Director of Vocations (1982–1984); and Rector of the Minor Seminary (1981–1984). In 1984, Rev. Azarcon emigrated to the United States; from 1984 to 1988, he served as parochial vicar at Saint Rocco’s Parish in the Archdiocese of Newark (New Jersey). With the permission of the Ordinary of his diocese in the Philippines, he transferred to the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux (Louisiana) and was incardinated there on June 17, 1992. He served as parochial vicar at Saint Joseph Co-Cathedral Parish in Thibodaux (1988–1993), pastor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Golden Meadow (1993–1999), and pastor of Saint Joseph Co-Cathedral Parish (1999–present). He/She speaks Tagalog, English, Spanish, and Creole.