Most Reverend Alberto Rojas, born January 5, 1965, in Aguascalientes, Mexico, was raised in a devout Catholic family and entered seminary at age 15. After beginning his formation in Mexico, he completed his theological studies and earned a Master of Divinity at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois. Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago by Cardinal Francis George in 1997, he served in parish ministry and later taught at the seminary for eight years. In 2011, he was ordained a bishop—again by Cardinal George, making him the only man George ordained both priest and bishop—and served as Auxiliary Bishop in Chicago, focusing heavily on Hispanic ministry and national service through various USCCB committees. Appointed Coadjutor Bishop of San Bernardino by Pope Francis in December 2019, he became the Diocese’s third Ordinary Bishop in December 2020 following the retirement of Bishop Gerald Barnes. Bishop Rojas describes his episcopal journey as humbling and enriching, emphasizing the Church’s mission of salvation and the constant guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Bishop Alberto Rojas’ Coat of Arms combines personal and diocesan symbols, reflecting his heritage, faith, and ministry. The main lower section features wavy blue bars symbolizing water—honoring the Blessed Mother as St. Mary of the Lake, patroness of the Mundelein seminary where he studied and later taught, and referencing his home state of Aguascalientes (“hot waters”) in Mexico. A silver gate represents his hometown, with a fleur-de-lis paying tribute to both his mother, Maria, and the Virgin Mary. Five golden stars on the blue background recall the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The upper section, or “chief,” displays a gold field with a red sunburst symbolizing Christ, the Son, who shines upon us all.
Water honors St. Mary of the Lake and his home state of Aguascalientes.
The silver gate represents his hometown.
The fleur-de-lis pays tribute to both his mother, Maria, and the Virgin Mary.
Five golden stars recall the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
A gold field with a red sunburst symbolizes Christ, the Son.
For his motto, Bishop Rojas has selected the phrase, and presented it in both Spanish and English, “God’s love is all we need.” In this phrase, Bishop Rojas expresses that with the Lord, Jesus Christ, the love He gives to all his children is all that any of us need to achieve eternal life.
