Fernando Isern

Fernando Isern was born in Havana. In 1963, his family went into exile first in Venezuela and in 1967 to Miami.[1] He graduated from Champagnat Catholic School in 1977.[1] Isern graduated from Florida International University in 1982, from where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration.[2] He also studied at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach.[3]

Isern was ordained to the priesthood on April 16, 1993.[4] He then served as a parochial vicar at St. Mark Church[5] in Southwest Ranches until 1996, when he was transferred to St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church[6] in Pompano Beach.[3] In 1999, he became an adjunct professor at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, assistant chaplain for the Archdiocesan Youth Center and for Encuentros Juveniles. He was also a parochial vicar at St. Agnes Church[7] in Key Biscayne (1999-2002).[3] He was a parochial vicar (2002-2003) and afterwards pastor (2003-2009) of Our Lady of Lourdes Church[8] in Miami.[3] From 2008 to 2009, he was also President of Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll High School in Miami.[3] He is affiliated with the Schoenstatt Movement.[9]

On October 15, 2009, Isern was appointed the fourth Bishop of Pueblo, Colorado, by Pope Benedict XVI.[4] He received his episcopal consecration on December 10, 2009.[4] His principal consecrator was Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap; the principal co-consecrators were Archbishop John C. Favalora and Bishop Arthur N. Tafoya. He is the 11th priest from the Archdiocese of Miami to become a bishop.[2]

His resignation was accepted by Pope Francis on Thursday, June 13, 2013.[10] Currently Bishop Isern is providing masses in Miami, Florida. This includes Good Shepherd Catholic Church.