Gerald Barbarito
Gerald Michael Barbarito (born January 4, 1950) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He has served as bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach in Florida since August 28, 2003. He previously served as bishop of the Diocese of Ogdensburg in Northern New York from 1999 to 2003 and as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn in New York City from 1994 to 1999. Biography. Early life and family. Gerald Michael Barbarito, the son of Anna Marie LaPorte Barbarito and Samuel A. Barbarito, was born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 4, 1950 . He began his studies for the priesthood at Cathedral Prep Seminary in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, graduating in 1967. Education. Barbarito continued his studies at Cathedral College in Douglaston, Queens, where he earned a bachelor degree in 1971. His theology studies took place at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, New York, where upon completing his work in 1975, he received a Master of Divinity degree.Before his ordination to the priesthood, Barbarito served as a deacon at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Astoria, Queens, for one year. Ordination and pastoral work. Barbarito was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese  of Brooklyn by Bishop Francis J. Mugavero at St. Francis of Assisi Church on January 31, 1976. After his ordination, Barbarito was assigned to St. Helen's Parish in Howard Beach, Queens. He remained there until 1981, when Bishop Mugavero appointed him assistant chancellor. Barbarito held this position for one year, then went to the Catholic University of America School of Canon Law in Washington D.C. for two years, where he earned a Licentiate of Canon Law. Barbarito was named the vice chancellor of the diocese in 1984, remaining in that position until 1992, when Bishop Thomas V. Daily appointed  him secretary. Barbarito served as master of ceremonies for Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Joseph Denning from 1984 to 1990. Barbarito has served on the College of Consultors, the Priests' Personnel Board, the Presbyteral Council and as an appellate judge at the diocesan tribunal. He has also served as a consultant to the Canonical Affairs Committee of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Barbarito is a member of the Catholic Biblical Association and the Canon Law Society of America. Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn. Barbarito was appointed as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn by Pope John Paul II on June  28, 1994. He was consecrated on August 22, 1994. Bishop Thomas V. Daily served as principal consecrator, with Bishop Joseph Sullivan and Bishop René Valero serving as co-consecrators. Barbarito was assigned as regional bishop for Brooklyn Vicariate East as well as vicar for ministry for the diocese. As the vicar for ministry, he assisted with the ongoing formation of priests. His office was in the Marine Park section of Brooklyn. Bishop of Ogdensburg. On October 26, 1999, Pope John-Paul II appointed Barbarito as bishop of the Diocese of Ogdensburg. He filled the vacancy left when Bishop Paul Loverde  was appointed the Bishop of Arlington nine months prior. Bishop of Palm Beach. On July 1, 2003, Barbarito was appointed by Pope John Paul II as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach to succeed Bishop Seán O'Malley who had been named archbishop of the Archdiocese of Boston. Barbarito was installed on August 28, 2003 at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola. It was announced on January 30, 2015 that Barbarito would be undergoing surgery for a brain tumor. Personal views. Barbarito considers himself to be a Republican and an opponent of abortion rights.