Sacramento Diocese opens canonization cause for late auxiliary bishop

Published: 2005-12-28

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CNS) -- At a Mass and ceremony in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento, Bishop William K. Weigand began the initial diocesan portion of the process that could lead to the canonization of the late Sacramento Auxiliary Bishop Alphonse Gallegos. The Diocese of Sacramento is beginning the process for Bishop Gallegos at the request of his religious order, the Augustinian Recollects. It is the first time the diocese has begun the process toward sainthood for anyone. Bishop Gallegos' family members and supporters, as well as members of his religious order, were among those attending the Dec. 4 Mass. Bishop Gallegos lived in the Sacramento area from 1979 until his death in an automobile accident near Yuba City Oct. 6, 1991. From 1979 to 1981, he served as the first director of the Division of Hispanic Affairs of the California Catholic Conference. He was ordained an auxiliary bishop to Bishop Francis A. Quinn Nov. 4, 1981, and was the first Hispanic bishop in the California state capital since 1861.

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