Millbrook monsignor rises to bishop

MILLBROOK — “The appointment came as a complete surprise,” said former Msgr. and now Bishop Gerardo Colacicco, of St. Joseph-Immaculate Conception Parish in Millbrook. The bishop was speaking of his appointment by Pope Francis, who, on Oct. 10, named Colacicco auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York. 

The announcement from the pope was made by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, who is the apostolic nuncio, or ecclesiastical diplomat, to the United States.

In addition to Colacicco,  Msgr. Edmund Whalen, the vicar for clergy, was also named an auxiliary bishop. Cardinal Timothy Dolan made the announcement during Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, where he thanked the Holy Father for the appointments.

According to the newspaper Catholic New York, Cardinal Dolan made the following statement when the news was announced: “Pope Francis has selected two outstanding priests, both with rich pastoral experience, to serve the people of God of this archdiocese as auxiliary bishops. I look forward to working even more closely with Bishop-elect Colacicco and Bishop-elect Whalen, as they undertake this new role in their priesthood.”

“I am humbled by the joyful reaction of family, friends and parishioners,” Bishop Colacicco said. “I have chosen for my episcopal motto, ‘credo,’ which translates from the Latin to “I believe.”

He continued with his motto, “‘If we believe, then all things are possible with God. So, I entrust myself and this new position to His goodness and trust that He will provide all that is needed and necessary.”

The announcement was shared in an email with the local parish by parishioner Perry Hartswick.

“Please keep Bishop-elect Colacicco in your prayers, that he may continue to faithfully serve Our Lord and His church as Bishop.”

Colacicco has done much for his Millbrook parish. He was responsible for the restoration of  St. Joseph’s Church, for which he will long be remembered. He was also in charge of overhauling of the parking lot, a much needed project. That practical work, along with showing kindness and compassion to his parish, made him a popular monsignor.

Colacicco was born to a large Italian family in Poughkeepsie, so he is truly one of Dutchess County’s own. He came to Millbrook in 2014 after having served as pastor of St. Columba in Hopewell Junction, from 2002 to 2014. Previously he was at Sacred Heart in Newburgh, from 1996 to 2002.

Studying for the priesthood at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, Colacicco was ordained by Cardinal Terence Cooke in 1982 and was named a monsignor in 1999. He earned a Licentiate of Canon Law from St. Thomas Aquinas University in Rome.

The Millbrook parish and others from the Catholic community will welcome Father Hartley Bancroft, from The Church of St. Martin de Porres in Poughkeepsie, who will be coming to St. Joseph’s on Jan. 1, 2020. 

It’s clear the Millbrook community is thrilled for Colacicco’s elevation, but he will be sorely missed. Through the years he has been a familiar sight in town, attending many functions and often giving invocations and benedictions. During this year’s Veterans Day ceremony, it was noted that he was slated to do the prayers but unable to do so as he was with the Pope in Rome.

Parishioner Joe Rochfort echoed the thoughts of many when he shared his sentiments on Colacicco being ordained bishop.

“St. Joseph’s was truly blessed when Msgr. Colacicco came to us,” he said. “I could not be happier for him. However, it is bittersweet because he will certainly be missed a great deal.”