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Statement of Bishop-elect Gerardo J. Colacicco
“First, I offer prayers of thanksgiving to Almighty God for the gift of my priesthood, and for His call to serve the Church in the Archdiocese of New York in this new way. I am grateful to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and to my archbishop, Cardinal Dolan, for their trust in me, as I undertake these new responsibilities.
Growing up in a tight knit nuclear and extended family was a source of many blessings for which I thank my parents and my sisters and brother. We were raised in the Faith and attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish and St. Mary’s parish, Poughkeepsie. During high school and college, I worked in St. Mary’s parish rectory and was greatly influenced by my pastor, Msgr. Matthew J. Cox. Another profound influence was Bishop Joseph M. Pernicone, whom I knew and greatly admired from my days at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The bishop encouraged me in my vocation during my years at St. Joseph’s Seminary. I was honored that at my First Mass Msgr. Cox preached and Bishop Pernicone was present and spoke at the end of Mass. Msgr. Cox was my model for priesthood and now, Bishop Pernicone becomes my model for the episcopacy.
I was fortunate to have a number of wonderful assignments during my years of priesthood, among them being the priest secretary to Cardinal O’Connor. During that year I was privileged to live and work with a true shepherd and learned much by listening and observing him on a daily basis. The highlight of those assignments was becoming a pastor of souls. My three pastorates have been wonderful experiences with loving people and holy priest associates. My involvement with the Knights of Columbus continues to be a source of inspiration and joy. I am humbled and honored to have been asked to serve the Church and the Archdiocese of New York as an auxiliary bishop to Cardinal Dolan. I pray that I will continue to serve with a compassionate and faithful heart. I entrust myself to Our Lady and St. Joseph, who keep me close to Jesus.”
Statement of Bishop-elect Edmund Whalen
“I am humbled and grateful to our Holy Father and Cardinal Dolan for their confidence in me. The example of my parents, the many priests and religious who influenced my vocation, and the inspiring experience of the people of the parishes in which I have served, along with the students whom I have taught, encourage me to do my best to continue to serve God’s Church.”
