Catholic Culture Medjugorje Pilgrimage April 2025

In 1991, Bishop Scharfenberger was admitted to the New York State Bar. Bishop Scharfenberger will offer to our pilgrims retreat conferences, lead us in prayer and be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He will also offer private Mass for our pilgrims at the shrines we visit and will be the main celebrant at St. James Church, Medjugorje. St. Benedict Tours is blessed to have Bishop Scharfenberger as our spiritual director, a gifted, prayerful, and holy bishop.

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Bishop Edward Scharfenberger studied for the holy priesthood at the North American College, Rome, and was ordained in St. Peter’s Basilica, on July 2, 1973.

After many years of pastoral service in his native Diocese of Brooklyn, now Monsignor Scharfenberger was appointed by Pope Francis as bishop of the Diocese of Albany, New York, on April 10, 2014. Bishop Scharfenberger was consecrated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Albany, New York, where his continues to serve the people of Albany.

His genuine interest in all people, regardless of status or position, is reflected in his interest in many cultures that make up our universal church. A warm and gracious bishop, people feel comfortable in his presence and he easily engages them in conversation. He loves to travel and experience different cultures, sharing local cuisine and conversing with people of various cultural backgrounds.

Gifted in languages, Bishop Scharfenberger speaks Italian, French, Spanish and German, and is fluent enough in Polish, Russian and Portuguese to offer Holy Mass. Bishop Scharfenberger earned a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Academy of St. Alphonse in Rome, in 1977, a Licentiate of Canon Law from Catholic University of America, in 1980, and a Juris Doctor Law degree from Fordham University, in 1990.

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