Warwick parents attend their son's installation as new Bishop of Albany

ALBANY — Bishop Edward Scharfenberger, the son of Edward and Elaine Scharfenberger of Warwick, was welcomed as the 10th Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Albany in a spectacular ordination, the likes of which, the Albany Times Union reported on April 10, the city had not seen since outgoing Bishop Howard Hubbard was ordained 37 years ago.

On Feb. 11, Pope Francis named Monsignor Edward B. Scharfenberger, a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, to be the next Bishop of Albany.

The Albany Diocese has about 330,000 parishioners in 14 counties across upstate New York.

Priest, lawyer, linguist
Although it is rare for a priest rather than a bishop or auxiliary bishop to be named bishop of a large diocese, Scharfenberger had impressive credentials including a graduate degree, summa cum laude, in moral theology; an advanced degree summa cum laude in Canon Law, a Juris Doctorate and admission to the New York State Bar.

Last year, then Msgr. Scharfenberger was also appointed Episcopal Vicar of Queens, representing Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio in all parishes in Queens.

Scharfenberger also speaks German, Spanish, Italian and French and can communicate and read in Polish.

Cardinal Dolan adds his blessing

As a choir sang hymns and horns trumpeted New York State Metropolitan Archbishop, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, led a procession of 34 bishops along with more than 200 priests and deacons from the Brooklyn and Albany Dioceses into the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

The Rev. Michael McLoughlin, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York and pastor of Warwick's Church of St. Stephen, the First Martyr, the Scharfenberger family's parish, was also in the procession.

During the ordination ceremony, Scharfenberger lay face-down before the altar as the Litany of the Saints was sung. He then bowed before the altar as the 34 bishops passed in front of him and lay hands on his head.

Dolan placed the miter on his head, the bishop's ring on his finger and presented him with a crosier, a shepherd's crook that symbolizes the bishop's pastoral stewardship over his congregation.

The congregation rose
Scharfenberger then took a seat in the cathedra, the bishop's chair, as the large congregation, which also included many members of his family and friends along with some local government officials, gave him a standing ovation.

"As I said when I first came to the diocese," said Scharfenberger, "all I ask of you is that you bring the best out of me and I will bring the best out of you."

- Roger Gavan