Bernard Shlesinger

Bernard Edward Shlesinger III (born December 17, 1960) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He was appointed as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Atlanta in 2017.

His Excellency, The Most Reverend

Bernard Edward Shlesinger
Auxiliary Bishop of Atlanta
SeeArchdiocese of Atlanta
AppointedMay 15, 2017
InstalledJuly 19, 2017
Orders
OrdinationJune 22, 1996
by Francis Joseph Gossman
ConsecrationJuly 19, 2017
by Wilton Daniel Gregory, Luis R. Zarama, and Michael Francis Burbidge
Personal details
Born (1960-12-17) December 17, 1960
Washington, D.C., US
EducationVirginia Tech
Catholic University of America
Pontifical North American College
Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas
MottoChristum oportet crescere
(Christ must grow)
Styles of
Bernard Edward Shlesinger
Reference style
Spoken styleYour Excellency
Religious styleBishop

Biography

Early life

Bernard Shlesinger was born on December 17, 1960, in Washington, D.C. He attended Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, Virginia, then entered Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural engineering in 1983, Shlesinger entered the US Air Force as a commissioned officer. As a pilot, he flew Lockheed C-130E Hercules air transport planes out of Pope Field in Fayetteville, North Carolina.[1]

In 1990, Shlesinger retired from the Air Force with the rank of captain and started studying for the priesthood. He first studied philosophy at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., then went to Rome to the Pontifical North American College. Shlesinger was award a Bachelor of Theology degree from the Pontifical Gregorian University and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.[1]

Priesthood

On June 22, 1996, Shlesinger was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Francis Grossman in Wilmington, North Carolina, for the Diocese of Raleigh.[2] After his ordination, he was assigned as parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish in Wilmington. In 1998, Shlesinger was appointed pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Newton Grove, North Carolina, serving there for nine years. He also became in 1999 assistant director of vocations, holding that position until 2002.[1]

In 2007, Shlesinger was appointed director of vocations and seminarian formation for the diocese. Between 2010 and 2012, he also served as the diocesan administrator of Maria, Reina de las Americas Parish in Mount Olive, North Carolina, along with two other missions. Shlesinger served in the role of director until 2013. when was named as director of spiritual formation at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia.[1]

Auxiliary Bishop of Atlanta

On May 15, 2017, Pope Francis appointed Shlesinger as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.[3][4] He was consecrated by Cardinal Wilton Gregory at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta on July 19, 2017.[2]

Coat of arms

Based on the arms of Shlesinger's home diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina, by reversing the color to be red on silver (white), is a cross of the faith that is composed of eight diamonds (heraldically called “lozenges”). Upon these lozenges is a gold escutcheon (small shield within the major shield) that is charged with the symbolism of the Sacred Heart. To the lower right, base sinister, is a blue “M,” of the Virgin Mary, taken from the arms of Pope John Paul II.

For his episcopal motto, Shlesinger has adopted the Latin phrase “Christum oportet crescere ,” from John 3:30.

See also

References
  1. "Most Reverend Bernard E. Shlesinger III". Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta | Atlanta, GA. Retrieved December 19, 2021.
  2. "Bishop Bernard Edward ("Ned") Shlesinger III [Catholic-Hierarchy]". www.catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved December 19, 2021.
  3. Keane, Judy (May 15, 2017). "Pope Francis Names Priest as New Auxiliary Bishop of Atlanta". United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 15, 2017.
  4. "New Auxiliary Bishop Named for The Archdiocese of Atlanta". Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta. Retrieved May 15, 2017.
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