Buffalo priest ordained as new bishop of Ogdensburg

Published: 2004-05-21

OGDENSBURG, N.Y. (CNS) -- Cardinal Edward M. Egan had some simple advice for Bishop Robert J. Cunningham when the archbishop of New York presided at the ordination and installation of the 13th bishop of the Diocese of Ogdensburg May 18. "Be kind, be kind, be kind," Cardinal Egan said. "If you guide your people lovingly, with compassion, they will respond with loyalty and generosity in their service." Bishop Cunningham responded with a pledge to learn the needs of the people of the diocese and do his best to meet them. "This rite of ordination reminds us that the role of a bishop is one of service and not of honor," the new bishop said. Bishop Cunningham, the first bishop to be both ordained and installed in the same ceremony for the 138-year-old diocese, comes to Ogdensburg after 35 years of service as a priest of the Diocese of Buffalo. Most recently he served as diocesan administrator, chancellor and pastor of St. Louis Church in Buffalo.

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