‘A long and blessed association’

Sister of Mercy remembers Bishop Hubbard.

The Sisters of Mercy have had a long and blessed association with Bishop Howard Hubbard, both personally and professionally.

In the early days of our ministry, we were just beginning to work with our religious communities such as the Daughters of Charity. Our Sister Anastasia joined Father Hubbard and other community members to create Providence House. This was a drop-in center and its goal was to identify the needs and ministry to the South End community in Albany.

Later in 1967, our Sister Gail Waring became part of the board for Hope House, a residence for individuals to recover from drug addiction. Other members of the community board included Marsha Breslin.

Some time later, Sister Serena Branson, DC, and Bishop Hubbard asked our Sister Maureen Joyce to become director of Community Maternity Services to assist unwed pregnant girls and women to have care prior to the birth of their babies. Bishop Hubbard frequently visited to support this ministry. Sisters Penny Lynch, Mary Ann LoGiudice and Mary Ann Walsh recall with laughter the bishop coming on his birthday, Halloween, to see the ladies dunk for apples and eat pizza.

Sister Maureen had become a close friend and confidant of Howard and he came often during her illness with cancer to offer support to her, her staff, her family and friends. He offered Mass at her apartment and all of us were invited. Her dog, Tyrone, welcomed Howard by putting his paws on his knees. Later when Tyrone lived with Sister Mary Ann, he would throw him a ball to fetch and they became good friends.

Because I worked so closely with Father Peter Young for 40 years, (I) became aware of how supportive he was to our mission and a close friend of Peter. Father Peter had many bouts with cancer through the years and Howard shared his humorous stories with me, Peter’s friends and “wounded healers.” Howard was always there for us through dark days and good days. He, Sister Maureen and Peter enjoyed many a Siena basketball game.

In addition, Bishop Hubbard came to our Mercy Convent to celebrate with us for jubilees, funerals and many occasions. His humor and compassion for all people stand out and was reflected in his gaze. He always had time to talk to all who came to these events.

Our sisters also worked with his mission to educate the laity for leadership roles. Sister Marge Halpin recalls that this is why she went to St. Bernard’s where each year 100 applicants received training for 11 years. 

Bishop Hubbard always tried to offer spiritual events and retreats to his deacons and priests. He asked our Sister Jean Roche to join a team to offer enrichment and retreats for all parishes in the Diocese. The theme was “Choose Life.” Follow-up sessions were offered with the Sisters of St. Joseph such as Sister Anne Bryan Smollin and other Mercies. He asked Sister Jean to join a team that included Father Dominic Ingemie and Father Chris DeGiovine and other priests and laity to offer these days of enrichment.

There are many other stories our sisters could recount and share with all who wish to know Bishop Hubbard. Sister Mary Ann LoGiudice and I agree that he was an Irish man with an Italian stomach. He enjoyed many an Italian meal at restaurants and Sister Mary Ann’s gracious hospitality. He never smoked or drank alcohol. He was an exemplary man, priest and bishop. He was a humble, spiritual and holy man who radiated compassion to everyone that he met.

I was privileged to know him and love him.