PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, the first Hispanic bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach, has opened up about his personal journey from the Dominican Republic to serving diverse communities in the United States. He emphasizes themes of unity and faith, particularly in his outreach to migrant children.
Born in Moca, Dominican Republic, Rodríguez grew up immersed in his Catholic faith, pursuing studies in canon law before becoming a priest. He expressed pride in his heritage, stating, “We should always be proud of our identity and never hide it.”
In 2009, Rodríguez made a pivotal move to the United States, leaving behind a career focused on education in the Dominican Republic to join the Diocese of Brooklyn. His time in Brooklyn and Queens allowed him to serve Hispanic parishes while engaging with individuals from various cultural backgrounds and languages. “It was truly a discovery and truly a life-changing opportunity,” he said, highlighting the broadening of his perspectives as a priest.
Currently serving as bishop in Palm Beach, Rodríguez is committed to a role of inclusivity. He stated, “In the church, there are no immigrants because in the church we all belong. We are brothers and sisters coming from the same God.” He aims to serve all congregants without focusing primarily on his Hispanic identity.
His ministry also addresses the challenges faced by the Hispanic community, particularly regarding mass deportations. Rodríguez acknowledges the need for law and order while advocating for respect and dignity for individuals. He commented, “If you are dealing with a criminal, someone that kills other people…we say that is the way to go. But if you are dealing with someone that is here on a TPS status…why should we be calling for that person’s deportation?”
In September, Rodríguez participated in a new bishop formation course at the Vatican, where he met with Pope Leo, who appointed him. He noted that the Pope is open to dialogue with U.S. officials, emphasizing that the dignity of people cannot be overlooked in discussions about immigration policies.
Rodríguez has also expressed concern for migrant children, describing the challenges they face as “a tragedy.” He shared his thoughts on the impact these circumstances have on first-generation Americans, stating, “The damage this causes in the self-esteem of children is simply tragic and horrible.” He believes that better solutions could be found to alleviate their suffering.
When discussing the intersection of faith and politics, Rodríguez remarked, “A true believer is never to separate…different aspects of that person’s life. Faith is at the core and heart of the person.” He underscored the necessity of integrating faith into political discourse, reflecting his commitment to advocacy for vulnerable communities.
