(1997 - 2000)

Bishop Roberto had been Coadjutor Bishop to Bishop Gracida, coming to the Diocese in 1995. He was appointed the Sixth Bishop of the Diocese on April 1, 1997. His immediate efforts went into dealing with financial problems facing the Diocese. He consolidated diocesan structures for cost-saving purposes. He crisscrossed the Diocese meeting with priests, religious and laity, seeking their cooperation, both in dealing with the finances of the Diocese and with the ongoing work of the Church in the Diocese. He began the work of preparation for the Great Jubilee celebration and initiated a Self-Study of the Diocese, which was completed in 1999. During his brief time in the Diocese, he was also quite active on the national and international scene of the Church, particularly on behalf of the Church in Cuba.