Feb. 17, 2014 – Edward B. Scharfenberger, episcopal vicar for Queens, was appointed last week by Pope Francis to head the Diocese of Albany. Bishop-designate Scharfenberger was effusive in his remarks at his introductory press conference.

“How grateful I am to His Holiness Pope Francis for the awesome privilege to serve as pastor of all the wonderful people in the Diocese of Albany,” he said. “I am touched by the warm welcome of Bishop Hubbard, who has served the Church in Albany with love and dedication for 37 years.

“My heart is full of gratitude to God for my loving family, especially my 93-year-old parents who were generous enough to welcome me, my two brothers and two sisters into the world. They taught us how to pray, to trust God and to know Jesus as our friend. Their continuous example shows us that the essence of love is sacrifice.”

For more on this new appointment, see the complete story in The Tablet.