Andrew Eugene Bellisario

Andrew Eugene Bellisario (born December 19, 1956) is an American Catholic prelate who has served as Archbishop of Anchorage-Juneau since 2020. He previously served as Bishop of Juneau from 2017 to 2019. He is a member of the Congregation of the Mission.

Biography

Early life Born in Los Angeles on December 19, 1956, Andrew Bellisario is the son of Rocky and Mildred Bellisario. In 1975, he graduated from Saint Vincent Seminary High School in Montebello, California.

In 1975, Bellisario entered the Congregation of the Mission (also known as the Vincentians). After the novitiate, he attended St. Mary's of the Barrens Seminary College in Perryville, Missouri. He earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree there in 1976. In 1980, Bellisario received a Master of Divinity degree from De Andreis Institute of Theology in Lemont, Illinois. After ordination, he was give pastoral assignments in Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Montebello, Saint Vincent de Paul in Huntington Beach, and a parish in Patterson. He was consecrated by Bishop Paul Etienne on October 10, 2017, at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Juneau.

Archbishop of Anchorage-Juneau On May 19, 2020, Francis named Bellisario as archbishop of the newly formed Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau. Bellisario was installed on September 17, 2020.

Coat of arms as bishop of Juneau

Left side of shield The Wavy Silver and Blue lines: represents the water routes uniting the parishes and missions of the diocese. The Constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear: The constellation includes the Big Dipper with its two pointers to the North Star. The North Star (Polaris): represents Mary, mother of Jesus, under her title "Our Lady, Star of the Sea" (Stella Maris). It also represents the constant guide of the mariner, explorer, hunter, trapper, prospector, woodsman and surveyor of Alaska. The Crescent Moon: represents the nativity of the Virgin Mary, and commemorates the cathedral church of the diocese.

Right side of shield The Cross of Saint Andrew: represents Andrew the Apostle, Bellisario's patron saint. The Long Stem Rose: represents Bellisario's mother, Mildred (1922–2006), and his English heritage. The Ship: represents the Catholic Church, the bark of Saint Peter. It also represents Bellisario's father, Rocky (1915–2005), the Bellisario family and his Italian heritage. The Sacred Heart of Jesus: represents Jesus and commemorates Bellisario's religious community, the Congregation of the Mission. The Immaculate Heart of Mary: represents the Virgin Mary and commemorates the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul.