The appointment of the Most Rev. Evelio Menjivar-Ayala as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is a moment of significance not only for West Virginia Catholics, but for the broader communities the diocese serves.

Menjivar, 56, comes to West Virginia after serving as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington. His installation Mass is set for July 2 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling.

Born in El Salvador, he immigrated to the United States in 1990 and became the nation’s first Salvadoran bishop when appointed in Washington.

What stood out in his introduction to the Wheeling community were both his personality and his humility. Menjivar spoke of listening — to young people, the poor, workers, immigrants, diocesan leaders and the broader community. That is the right place to begin, particularly following the Most Rev. Mark Brennan, a listener himself.

He also offered a clear focus to his leadership: “The only agenda that I bring is to love you and serve you the best that I can,” he said, while acknowledging both the beauty of Appalachia and the hardship many here endure.

That understanding matters. West Virginia needs leaders — religious, civic and political — who see both our strengths and our struggles. Menjivar appears ready to do just that.

It likely helps that Menjivar has spent considerable time in West Virginia. He came here first in the Eastern Panhandle to handle Spanish-speaking Mass, and then returned to enjoy hiking in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. He said he enjoyed the state’s natural beauty so much that he bought a cabin in Lost River in Hardy County as his place of refuge.

An interesting note is that Menjivar and Brennan already have a strong relationship, with Menjivar noting it was Brennan that welcomed him to the priesthood

Brennan “opened the door,” Menjivar said. “I was an immigrant, a blue-collar worker in construction and a youth minister. But he saw potential and he accepted me. I’m very, very, very thankful for what he has done in my journey as a priest.”

The new bishop undoubtedly will face challenges.

But if he begins, as promised, by listening and serving, he will find in West Virginia people of deep faith, resilience and generosity.

Welcome to Wheeling, Bishop Menjivar. May your ministry be one that strengthens not only the Catholic faithful, but the whole community.