Bishop Evelio Menjivar was born in Chalatenango, El Salvador, and migrated to the United States in 1990. In 2023, he became the first Salvadoran bishop in the country, serving as auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington in the District of Columbia.
Evelio obtained a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, then studied at the North American College in Rome and obtained a master’s degree in theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2004.
Bishop Menjivar’s work has included serving as parochial vicar and pastor at numerous churches; as a member of the Archdiocesan Child Protection Advisory Board; and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Maryland Catholic Conference, Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services. He speaks English, Spanish and Italian, and in 2024, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Georgetown University. Throughout his ministry, Evelio has actively supported workers and continues to promote social justice for immigrants.
