Joseph Bambera

Joseph Charles Bambera (born March 21, 1956) is an American Catholic prelate who has served as Bishop of Scranton in Pennsylvania since 2010.

Biography

Early life and education Joseph Bambera was born on March 21, 1956, in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, to Joseph and Irene (née Kucharski) Bambera. One of two children, he has a sister, Karen. He attended St. Rose of Lima Elementary School and graduated from St. Rose of Lima High School, both in Carbondale, in 1974. Following his graduation, Bambera entered the University of Pittsburgh, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history there in 1978.

Bambera then began his studies for the priesthood, attending the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and St. Pius X Seminary in Dalton, Pennsylvania. He continued his studies at Mary Immaculate Seminary in Northampton, Pennsylvania, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1982. After his ordination, the diocese assigned Bambera as an assistant pastor at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Scranton, where he remained for four years.

In 1987, Bambera was transferred to the St. Peter's Cathedral Parish. He served as auditor on the diocesan tribunal, spiritual director of the Legion of Mary chapter, campus minister at Lackawanna College in Scranton and diocesan director of pilgrimages. Following the appointment, Bambera stated, Bambera's episcopal consecration and installation took place at the St. Peter's Cathedral on April 26, 2010, with Rigali as the principal consecrator and Bishops James Timlin and John Dougherty serving as co-consecrators. Bambera, who had served as vicar for priests from 1995 to 1998, admitted that he helped Timlin reassign one priest who had abused a minor, although the decision was made by Timlin. Bambera remarked;“No one should ever have to endure such trauma, and it is our responsibility to ensure that all survivors are heard, supported, and empowered to heal.”