What's New
April 2009
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DIOCESE OF SYRACUSE NEW BISHOP Bishop Robert J. Cunningham
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The Most Rev. Robert J. Cunningham of the Diocese of Ogdensburg was announced as the 10th Bishop of Syracuse Tuesday morning, April 21st. After his introduction, he visited The Blessed Mother Marianne Cope Shrine where he prayed at the Reliquary. Many sisters in the Syracuse area heard of his coming and welcomed him.
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Sister Patricia Burkard, General Minister of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, whose Congregation Offices are located in Syracuse, was on hand to greet him at the press conference at the Cathedral in Syracuse and later at the Reliquary, where she presented him with a definitive biography of Blessed Marianne. Sister Patricia has known Bishop Cunningham since the time he and her brother were high school and seminary classmates. (Her brother is currently a priest in the Buffalo Diocese). Sister herself worked with Bishop Cunningham when she was Superintendent of Catholic elementary schools in the Buffalo Diocese and he was Chancellor. She told The Post Standard: "He's a very prayerful and holy man, very dedicated to the Church and its ministers," and "he's very personable and easy to be with."
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 Sr. Patricia Burkard and Sr. Marian Rose Mansius with Bishop Cunningham at the Blessed Marianne Cope Shrine Photo by Stephen Cannerelli, The Post Standard |
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At the press conference, current Bishop James M. Moynihan introduced his successor, who said: "To serve the Church is a wonderful gift to me," and "I pledge my best efforts to serve the people of this diocese. You have my love and devotion." |
| “I have known and worked with Bishop Cunningham for many years and witnessed his many gifts and talents. He is a pastor first and foremost, loyal to his people and a genuine shepherd of souls,” Bishop Moynihan. |  |
In his work in the Ogdensburg Diocese, among other activities, Bishop Cunningham encouraged active participation among the Church membership, strongly advocated vocations, and encouraged support of Catholic Charities.
In his brief tour of the area, Bishop Cunningham also visited the Cathedral Emergency Services, two schools, and St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center, before returning to Ogdensburg.
Bishop Cunningham will be installed on May 26th at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He served as Bishop of the Ogdensburg Diocese (Northern New York State) since May 18, 2004.
See The Catholic Sun Articles below: (click on article)
"Changing of the Guard"
"The New Shepherd Arrives"
"Questions and Answers with Bishop-designate Robert J. Cunningham"
"Introducing Most Rev. Robert J. Cunningham"
"How is a Catholic Bishop Appointed?"