Welcome to a once-in-a-lifetime, special supplement to The Evangelist, saluting the Sesquicentennial of the founding of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, New York.
Exactly 150 years ago this week, on April 23, 1847, Pope Pius IX, acting on a request from the bishops of the United States, established two new dioceses in New York State. Split off from New York City, until then the only diocese in the state, were Albany, which encompassed Ogdensburg and Syracuse; and Buffalo, which included Rochester. (Later in the 19th century, those cities would become dioceses in their own right.)
To mark this special occasion, The Evangelist is presenting a year-long series of weekly articles examining the history of the Diocese, the celebration of the Sesquicentennial and related topics. This week, because it marks the actual anniversary date, we present this 40-page supplement, divided into three parts:
1. THE PAST: The first 16 pages of the supplement present the history of the Albany Diocese, "as told by" the bishops who led the Catholics of the region (the articles were actually written by James Breig, editor, using material assembled by Sally Light for her history of the Diocese; see story below);
2. THE PRESENT: The middle eight pages of the supplement salute Bishop Howard J. Hubbard on the occasion of his 20th anniversary as head of the Diocese and include a lengthy interview with him about the status of the Church here;
3. THE FUTURE: The final 16 pages profile six parishes that are pointing the way toward the millennium by being examples of what Bishop Hubbard is calling for as the century ends and another begins.
We must also note that Catholicism in upstate New York predates the founding of the Diocese and includes such luminaries as St. Isaac Jogues and the other Jesuit martyrs of Auriesville, and Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, the Indian who lived in the Fonda area. We don't have space to delve into the approximately 150 years of Catholic history that precede the Diocese's beginning. For that, we refer you to the formal history, which will be published in the fall (see article below).
We hope this keepsake issue is a treasure for Catholics as a reminder of their past, a celebration of their present and a summons into their future.
If you are interested in learning more about the history of Catholicism in upstate New York, we encourage you to take advantage of three ways of doing so -- in addition to reading this special supplement:
1. Order a copy of "Canals and Crossroads," by Sally Light, the first formal history of the Albany Diocese. The history, which will include hundreds of rare photos, will be published in the fall as a keepsake, hard-bound book. Pre-orders will be taken soon. Check with your parish or watch for ads in The Evangelist about how to order the volume.
2. Visit the official Sesquicentennial Exhibit, which will be open to the public from May 7 through the end of June, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., seven days a week, at the "old" Chancery, 465 State St. in Albany. You can "step back through time" by walking through this collection of unique artifacts, historic photos and rare documents. The Chancery, designed by the renowned Stanford White, is an historic site itself. Groups, such as senior citizen clubs and school classes, are welcome, as are individuals and families. Members of the Ladies of Charity have volunteered to be on hand as guides and to answer questions.
3. Take part in the regional Sesquicentennial event in your area. All parts of the Diocese are planning prayer services, picnics, exhibits and other programs to mark 150 years of Catholicism. Check with your parish and watch The Evangelist for details.