Hartford auxiliary bishop resigns at age 72

Hartford, Conn., Dec 15, 2017 / 12:02 pm

The Holy See announced Friday that Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Christie Macaluso from his position in the Archdiocese of Hartford at the age of 72.

Macaluso will continue to live at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, a Hartford suburb, "and will remain active in episcopal ministry to the extent that his health and circumstances permit," the archdiocese stated.

Archbishop Leonard Blair of Hartford expressed his goodwill for Macaluso and acknowledged his contribution to the archdiocese over the years.

"From my first days as Archbishop of Hartford, Bishop Macaluso has been of invaluable assistance thanks to his knowledge and experience of this local Church over many years," Archbishop Blair stated Dec. 15.

"In the name of all the clergy, religious and laity of the Archdiocese I wish him all the best and God's blessing in days to come," he continued.

Macaluso was born in Hartford June 12, 1945 to Albert and Helen Macaluso. He attended St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in philosophy and a master's degree in theology. He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Hartford May 22, 1971.

Having also studied music and various languages, Macaluso additionally holds a master's degree in psychology from New York University and a master's degree in philosophy from Trinity College.

Macaluso has served in the Archdiocese of Hartford in both parochial and administrative positions. He was  assistant pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in West Hartford and St. Joseph Parish in New Britain. In 1980, he was made dean of St. Thomas Seminary College, where he also served as a faculty member and was later appointed as president and rector. Macaluso also served as rector of the Cathedral of St. Joseph from 1991-1997.

St. John Paul II named Macaluso a monsignor in 1995 and he was additionally made episcopal vicar of Hartford.

He was appointed auxiliary bishop of Hartford and consecrated a bishop in 1997. During his appointment as auxiliary bishop he also served as the vicar general of the archdiocese, and moderator of the curia.