Cardinal names a 3d auxiliary bishop

By David O'Reilly INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Posted: June 22, 2002

The Rev. Michael F. Burbidge, rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, has been named an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua announced yesterday.

Msgr. Burbidge, who turned 45 last week, will be the second-youngest Roman Catholic bishop in the United States when he is consecrated in early September.

He served as Cardinal Bevilacqua's administrative secretary for seven years before starting as rector of the diocesan seminary three years ago. In addition to his new duties as a bishop, which include presiding at confirmation ceremonies, he will remain rector of the seminary in Wynnewood.

Upon his elevation, Msgr. Burbidge will join the archdiocese's two other active auxiliaries, Bishop Robert P. Maginnis and Bishop Joseph F. Martino, who were elevated in 1996.

The five-county archdiocese officially has about 1.25 million registered members and estimates an additional 150,000 unregistered members.

Cardinal Bevilacqua told a news conference at archdiocesan headquarters that Msgr. Burbidge's appointment - which follows "many dark days" of news reports about sex abuse scandals in the Catholic Church - marks a "new era of holiness" for the archdiocese.

Despite - or because of - those scandals, "There could not be a better time to be a bishop," Msgr. Burbidge said. "The church and the world are looking to the bishops for leadership and guidance."

A native of Philadelphia, he graduated from St. Charles Seminary and was ordained in 1984. He served as a vicar of St. Bernard Parish in Philadelphia and taught at Cardinal O'Hara High School and Archbishop Wood High School before becoming dean of the seminary in 1991.

Contact David O'Reilly at 215-854-5723 or doreilly@phillynews.com.

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