April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
THROUGH THE YEARS
Contest winners: memories of Bishop
CONFIRMATION JOKE
One of my favorite memories of Bishop Hubbard was captured in the photo at right, taken at my son Sam Bellafiore's confirmation in 2010 at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Albany.
Candidates were lined up in pairs before the Bishop, who, several times, glanced at Sam kneeling before him, seemingly disregarded Sam and proceeded confirming other candidates on the opposite line. Sam flinched nervously, not understanding why the Bishop repeatedly was ignoring him. He thought he had done something wrong.
Sam's wonderful sponsor, Rev. Jim Walsh [now pastor of St. Pius X parish in Loudonville], patted Sam's shoulder reassuringly during this ordeal. Several minutes went by before the Bishop finally acknowledged Sam by saying, "I waited so you could use the time to get yourself a better sponsor."
The photo perfectly caught Sam's look of relief, surprise and joy at this humorous moment. Father Walsh's smile revealed that he already was familiar with this amusing scenario. Of course, Bishop Hubbard's broad smile and calming words were a comfort to Sam, who was then able to settle himself and be confirmed.
The experience was startling and unexpected, and yet typical of Bishop Hubbard's spontaneity and ability to put folks at ease - sometimes when they need it the most.
Marilyn Bellafiore
Delmar
CANDLE-LIGHTING
The final celebration for the diocesan sesquicentennial in 1997 ended with a beautiful candlelight ritual: Bishop Hubbard processed with the sesquicentennial candle to the back of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany to bless us and share the flame.
Two young girls from the pew ahead of me quietly leaned into the aisle, waving their small hands, waiting their turn. When Bishop Hubbard noticed the children, he gently knelt down and reached over to light their candles.
This was an unscripted moment in a formal procession. Here was our Bishop, lingering on his knees in front of children. Since I did not have a camera, I framed that moment in my mind as Bishop Hubbard remained kneeling to give his blessing. His face glowed in the candlelight, and I saw him smile. He gave marvelous attention and spoke kind words to the young girls. I felt his deep peace and holiness as I watched the greeting unfold.
The "snapshot" of Bishop Hubbard on his knees while sharing the flame of faith is a powerful image. It reminds me of service and leadership. Bishop Hubbard's posture and grace in a simple act of blessing showed me that he views each individual as a beloved child of God. His spontaneous kneeling before two young girls reminds me to regard everyone with great care and not rush away.
I kept my candle from the closing ceremony - and, more importantly, I keep the image of our attentive and serving Bishop in focus to light my work in ministry.
Linda Berkery, faith formation director
Our Lady of the Assumption, Latham
A BETTER PRIEST
In 1987, I made my "simple profession" to the Carmelite order in Williamstown, N.Y. Upon completion of my first year of studies, I was assigned as an intern to St. Joseph's Church in Troy. I first met Bishop Hubbard at an annual meeting of priests. The Bishop's address was exactly what I wanted to hear about.
A year before graduation, I talked to the provincial about inviting Bishop Hubbard to preside at my ordination. Before I knew it, I was on a plane to Albany to ask the Bishop to officiate. He acquiesced and a date was set: May 16, 1992.
When the day arrived, during the Bishop's homily, something came over me as never before. I felt very much affirmed. Unbeknownst to me, the Bishop was [referring to] his book on pastoral ministry. When he asked a question of me again and again, I began to see that he was talking to all of us, especially the Carmelite priests present: "If you can't do....., Jim, then perhaps you should not be ordained today." Again and again, I heard the Bishop ask questions pertaining to the needs of the people and the Church: "If you find yourself unable to work with women on a par with yourself, then, Jim, perhaps you should not be ordained today."
These words resonated with me. I was being ordained for all the people in the name of Jesus Christ, His suffering, death and ascension into glory. In the Bishop's insight, I found the joy of the Holy Spirit, which makes sense of the muddle we often find ourselves in in life.
There are those who don't like the Bishop; nevertheless, I know I am better at proclaiming God's kingdom due to the influence of Bishop Hubbard.
Rev. James R. Sidoti, O.Carm., administrator
St. Joseph's parish, Troy
VISIT THE SICK
I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late August of 2012 and had extensive surgery in September. One afternoon while I was still hospitalized, my nurse insisted on getting me out of bed and into a chair. As I sat there, hooked up to IV tubes, a feeding tube and a drainage tube, a familiar face appeared in the doorway of my room. It was Bishop Hubbard.
I felt grateful and very humbled that this man, given his extremely busy schedule, cared enough about me to come and visit me in the hospital. While he was there, my husband came. As he got to my room, he could see that I had a priest visiting me. Thinking it may have been the chaplain, he turned to leave and give us some privacy, then heard the familiar voice and came back in to say hello to the Bishop.
Bishop Hubbard's visit also caused quite a stir on the ward. He stopped for a minute to offer some words of comfort to my roommate, who was also Catholic. After he had gone, several of the nurses and other staff came in and asked if my visitor was who they thought he was. I will always remember with a smile that this extraordinarily busy man took the time to come and offer me some prayers and healing at one of the lowest points of my life.
Lynn O'Rourke, parish life director
Our Lady of Fatima, Delanson[[In-content Ad]]
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