He's a people person who likes to laugh. And he's a humble person anxious to serve.

Bishop Oscar Solis is also a trailblazer --- first bishop ordained at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels (on Feb. 10), first Filipino-American bishop ordained in the U.S., first Filipino priest appointed head of a deanery in Louisiana, youngest priest to be named rector at his home seminary in the Philippines.

But the 50-year-old prelate doesn't dwell on his accomplishments. What's important, in his mind, is journeying with joy among the people of God.

And he's had quite a journey, himself.

Born of devout Catholic parents, now deceased, Bishop Solis was the fourth of seven children. He was "sandwiched" between two brothers who died tragically --- the younger one drowned at age five and the oldest was killed on a street in Manila at age 18. As a child, Oscar was a bit of a handful. In fact, his parents pulled him out of Catholic school in second grade so his aunts teaching in public school could keep an eye on him.

An altar server, he had a great respect for priests and entered the high school seminary at age 11, the age when students in the Philippines began their secondary education in that era. He had a good relationship with his superiors who helped "solidify my calling." At his superiors' request, he taught at the high school seminary for one year after graduation.

Then he left to study law. But, he found out, "it wasn't my calling." So, he returned at age 21 to complete his studies for the priesthood and was ordained at 25. At age 28, he became the rector of the high school and college seminary formation program with a combined total of 130 students.

"I have a love and passion for formation and ministry," said Bishop Solis.

His diocese wanted him to pursue further studies in Rome. He agreed, but requested a sabbatical to visit his aunts, who lived in San Francisco. He enjoyed his trip to California in 1984 so much that "my interest waned in higher education." He heard about an opening for an associate pastor at St. Rocco Church in Union City, New Jersey, and he decided to try pastoral ministry.

"I was absorbed by the inspiring ministry in parish life, dealing with people, making myself part of the life with the people. I enjoyed it tremendously."

It was at Union City, which has the second largest concentration of Cubans outside of Miami, that he began working with the Hispanic community, using the Spanish he had studied in the Philippines. He related to the common values shared between Filipinos and Hispanics, such as strong family ties, deep spirituality and a celebratory spirit.

After four years, he was scheduled to return to the Philippines, but agreed to temporarily substitute for a priest in the diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana. He remembers arriving in Louisiana on Sept. 8, 1988, the feast of the Blessed Mother's birthday.

"I fell in love with the place, and I forgot my plan to return to the Philippines," he said. "Simple life, great food, tropical weather --- a welcoming spirit of community; it was a beautiful love story." He served as an associate pastor at two different churches, and, in 1999, became pastor of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral and St. Luke Church (linked parish).

According to Bishop Solis, "It was like the Ellis Island of the South" since so many Filipino priests passed through the diocese. Besides parish ministry, he also served eight years on the Personnel Board, worked on the Board of Consultors and was a member of the priest's counsel.

Until he got a call from the Apostolic Nuncio on Dec. 1 of last year, he had no inkling that he would be named to the episcopacy.

"The call came like lightning from the sky. I thought the receptionist was joking when she said the Apostolic Nuncio was calling."

For Bishop Solis, "everything changed" that day.

"I've never prayed so much before in all my life," he declared. Though he is still describes himself as easy-going and fun-loving, he says his whole perspective of his life and ministry has deepened.

"I've become more serious in thought and prayers."

According to Bishop Solis, he comes "with a sense of openness" to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He says he's in his "social investigation," or s.i. period, as he prepares to coordinate outreach pastoral efforts for all of the ethnic groups within the archdiocese, which holds Masses in 42 languages every Sunday.

"I have an advantage because of the input gathered at the recent Synod. The Synod will be a point of reference, or springboard, for me."

Bishop Solis hopes that his ordination is seen as a "grace-filled moment" for the entire archdiocese.

"I am ordained for everyone," he says with sincerity. "I am here to be of service to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and I look forward to being with the people as we share our common faith and common love for God and our church."

Editor's note: Full coverage of the episcopal ordination of Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Solis, which took place near press deadline Feb. 10, will be included in the Feb. 20 issue of The Tidings.