Howard James Hubbard Death And Obituary, What Happened To Howard James Hubbard?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Aug 24, 2023
Who was Howard James Hubbard?
Howard James Hubbard, an esteemed figure within the American Roman Catholic Church, held the role of bishop for the Diocese of Albany in New York from 1977 to 2014. At the time of his appointment, he earned the distinction of being the youngest bishop in the nation, earning him the moniker "the boy bishop."
Born in Troy, New York, in 1938, Hubbard's academic journey led him to the Catholic University of America and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. His ordination as a priest occurred in 1963.
Following his ordination, Hubbard's service extended to the Diocese of Albany, where he assumed the role of a parochial vicar. His commitment to social justice found expression through his directorship of the diocese's Office for Social Concerns. The year 1977 marked a significant juncture as Pope Paul VI appointed Hubbard as bishop of Albany. On March 27, 1977, he was consecrated as a bishop.
As a bishop, Hubbard emerged as an unwavering advocate for social justice, using his platform to address issues such as poverty, racism, and war. He also worked diligently to foster improved interfaith relations between the Catholic Church and other religious communities. Hubbard's tenure as bishop culminated in his retirement in 2014. His journey reached its conclusion in Albany in 2023, as he passed away at the age of 84.
Hubbard's legacy is one of complexity and depth. While his liberal viewpoints on social matters garnered criticism from some quarters, he simultaneously earned praise for his resolute dedication to social justice causes and his readiness to condemn injustice.
In essence, Hubbard embodied a multifaceted persona. He was a man grounded in profound faith, a fervent advocate for social justice, and a charismatic leader. As history unfolds, he will be remembered as one of the most impactful and influential bishops to have graced the annals of the Diocese of Albany.
Howard James Hubbard's Death And Obituary
Howard Hubbard, a retired Catholic bishop, who recently marked a surprising turn by marrying a woman in a civil ceremony, has passed away at 84. His life's journey culminated in Albany Medical Center on a Saturday, his decline attributed to a massive stroke for which he had been hospitalized in the days leading up to his passing, according to confirmation from bishop spokesperson Mark Behan.
Hubbard, who held the reins of leadership over the Albany-based diocese from 1977 to 2014, was recognized for his fervent advocacy of social justice causes. Yet, the embrace of his legacy was tainted as the diocese became enshrouded in the dark cloud of sexual abuse scandals.
Throughout, Hubbard vehemently refuted accusations of abusing minors. However, in a pivotal 2021 deposition, he confessed to a disturbing reality: he and the diocese had chosen to suppress allegations of child sexual abuse by priests, a course of action driven partly by a desire to avert scandal.
Last autumn, facing the barriers imposed by U.S. church policy that prevents accused priests from engaging in ministry, Hubbard expressed his desire to transition to the lay state, thereby departing from the clergy. Regrettably, his request to the Vatican was met with rejection in March, and he was advised to await the resolution of seven civil lawsuits against him.
Nonetheless, earlier this month, Hubbard made a revelation that left many astounded: he had entered into matrimony with an undisclosed woman. In his own words, "I could be 91 or 92 before these legal matters are concluded. In the meantime, I have fallen in love with a wonderful woman who has helped and cared for me and who believes in me." Despite his decision, the current bishop of the upstate New York diocese, Edward Scharfenberger, affirmed that the church deemed Hubbard's marriage invalid.
Under the umbrella of a state law permitting individuals to seek recompense for childhood sexual abuse, a deluge of lawsuits has inundated the Albany diocese, compelling its filing for bankruptcy this year.
Edward Scharfenberger's reflection on the passing was tender: "The life of a priest is never about himself but for those whom he serves, to whom he is sent." As the community grieves and reflects, the complexities of human imperfection, redemption, and healing emerge as intertwined themes within the narrative.
What Happened To Howard James Hubbard?
Former Bishop Howard Hubbard of the Albany Roman Catholic Diocese, a figure known for his extensive service, has passed away during the weekend. Howard Hubbard, who held the title of Bishop Emeritus, was admitted to the hospital on Friday due to a stroke and, regrettably, passed away on Saturday at the age of 84.
Appointed as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Albany at the age of 38 in 1977, Hubbard made history as the youngest bishop in the country at that time. His tenure in this role continued until his retirement in 2014 at the age of 75.
In a candid 2013 interview with WAMC radio, Hubbard reflected on his path to the priesthood, which was sparked by his experience as an altar boy at St. Patrick's in Troy, a church that later closed in 2010. He shared, "I grew up in the so-called placid 50s... the idea of living a celibate life wasn't really overwhelming for me at that point in time.
Obviously, being a human being, there are times when you would like to have a one-to-one relationship with another person. But when you've made a commitment to God and you've tried to be faithful to that commitment.”
During his bishopric, Hubbard presided over 125 parishes that tended to around 360,000 Catholics residing in 14 areas. Renowned for his support of various social justice causes, Hubbard's presence was strongly felt as a "street priest" in Albany's South End during the 1960s. His initiatives included establishing Providence House, a referral and crisis intervention center, and Hope House, a residential treatment center for individuals impacted by chemical dependency.
In the same 2013 interview, Hubbard addressed the clergy sexual abuse crisis, acknowledging the harm it caused to the church. He admitted that mistakes were made in addressing the issue, but highlighted his commitment to supporting victims and ensuring their well-being.
Hubbard's legacy, however, was also tainted by allegations. While he repeatedly denied accusations of sexual abuse, he admitted under oath in 2021 that he covered up child sex claims against other clergy. Despite these controversies, his contributions, both positive and controversial, have left an indelible mark on the Catholic community.
In a more recent development, Hubbard made headlines by revealing his marriage to Jennifer Barrie, a decision that followed a series of health problems. This revelation was shared with the Vatican, but the Holy See declined his request to leave the priesthood. Hubbard's marriage, symbolized by a civil ceremony in July, represented a unique chapter in his journey.
How Did Howard James Hubbard Die?
Bishop Emeritus Howard Hubbard of Albany, New York, who garnered both respect and controversy throughout his life, has passed away following a massive stroke. Howard Hubbard's life came to a close at Albany Medical Center on August 19, having been admitted a few days prior due to a severe stroke. The news was confirmed by Mark Behan, a spokesperson for the bishop.
During his extensive service from 1977 to 2014 as the leader of the Albany-based diocese in New York, Hubbard was recognized for his fervent advocacy for social justice causes. However, his reputation suffered as the diocese became entangled in the pervasive web of sexual abuse scandals.
Hubbard consistently denied allegations of misconduct with minors, yet he conceded during a 2021 deposition that he and the diocese concealed allegations of sexual abuse against children by priests, partially to evade public scandal.
In a turn of events last autumn, Hubbard expressed his desire to be laicized, given that he could no longer fulfill priestly functions due to a U.S. church policy that prohibits accused priests from ministry. Despite his plea to the Vatican in March, his request was denied, urging him to await the resolution of the seven civil lawsuits filed against him.
Surprising many, Hubbard recently disclosed that he had entered into a civil marriage with an undisclosed woman earlier this month. In a prepared statement, he revealed, "I could be 91 or 92 before these legal matters are concluded...
In the meantime, I have fallen in love with a wonderful woman who has helped and cared for me and who believes in me." Edward Scharfenberger, the present bishop of the upstate New York diocese, expressed the church's stance that Hubbard's marriage was not recognized as valid.
In the midst of his passing, the Albany Diocese remains ensnared in the aftermath of numerous lawsuits under a state law permitting individuals to sue for sexual abuse endured during their childhoods, sometimes spanning decades. Given the staggering number of legal claims, the diocese filed for bankruptcy in March to navigate the financial challenges posed by the ongoing litigation.
Howard James Hubbard's Death And Obituary - FAQs
Howard James Hubbard was a prominent American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as the bishop of the Diocese of Albany in New York from 1977 to 2014.
Howard Hubbard earned the distinction of being the youngest bishop in the country at the time of his appointment, which led to his being nicknamed "the boy bishop."
Howard Hubbard was born in Troy, New York, in 1938, and he passed away in Albany in 2023.
Howard Hubbard studied at the Catholic University of America and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome before being ordained as a priest in 1963.
As a bishop, Hubbard was a vocal advocate for social justice, speaking out against poverty, racism, and war. He also worked to improve relations between the Catholic Church and other faith communities.