Fernando Isern


Fernando Isern is a Cuban-born bishop of the Roman Catholic Church. Formerly a pastor and high school president in the Archdiocese of Miami, he is the current Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Pueblo.

Biography

Early life and education

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

Ordination and Ministry

Isern was ordained to the priesthood on April 16, 1993. He then served as a parochial vicar at St. Mark Church in Southwest Ranches until 1996, when he was transferred to St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Pompano Beach. 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 in Key Biscayne. He was a parochial vicar and afterwards pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Miami. From 2008 to 2009, he was also President of Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll High School in Miami. He is affiliated with the Schoenstatt Movement.

Bishop of Pueblo, Colorado

On October 15, 2009, Isern was appointed the fourth Bishop of Pueblo, Colorado, by Pope Benedict XVI. He received his episcopal consecration on December 10, 2009. 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.
His resignation was accepted by Pope Francis on Thursday, June 13, 2013. Currently Bishop Isern is providing masses in Miami, Florida. This includes Good Shepherd Catholic Church.