Early Life and Education
Bernard Hebda was born on September 3, 1959, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Growing up in a Catholic household, he attended Resurrection Elementary School and later Seton-La Salle Catholic High School. After graduating high school, Hebda went on to study at Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Government. He then pursued a law degree from Columbia Law School before eventually feeling called to the priesthood.
Calling to the Priesthood
After working for several years as a lawyer, Bernard Hebda felt a strong calling to serve God and his community in a more direct way. This led him to enter the seminary and study at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. In 1989, he was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Pittsburgh, where he began his ministry.
Ministry in Pittsburgh
During his time in Pittsburgh, Father Hebda served in various roles within the diocese, including as a parish priest, chaplain, and teacher. He was known for his compassion, dedication, and strong leadership skills, which quickly earned him a reputation as a rising star within the Church.
Leadership in the Church
In 2009, Bernard Hebda was appointed as Bishop of Gaylord in Michigan, where he continued to demonstrate his commitment to serving others and promoting social justice. He was instrumental in establishing programs to help those in need and advocating for the marginalized in society.
Return to Pittsburgh
In 2013, Father Hebda was appointed as Coadjutor Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, where he once again made a significant impact on the community through his tireless work and dedication to his faith. In 2015, he became Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, a position he held until his appointment as Archbishop of Newark in 2016.
Archbishop of Newark
As Archbishop of Newark, Bernard Hebda continued his mission of serving others and promoting social justice within the diocese. He worked tirelessly to address issues such as poverty, homelessness, and immigration, always striving to be a voice for those who were marginalized or oppressed.
Return to St. Paul and Minneapolis
In 2019, Archbishop Hebda returned to St. Paul and Minneapolis as its Archbishop once again. He faced many challenges during this time, including the fallout from the clergy sexual abuse scandal that had rocked the diocese. However, he remained steadfast in his commitment to transparency, accountability, and healing for all those affected.
Legacy and Impact
Throughout his career in the Church, Bernard Hebda has left an indelible mark on all those he has encountered. His dedication to serving others, promoting social justice, and living out his faith with compassion and humility has inspired countless individuals to do the same. He is widely respected for his leadership skills, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his calling.
Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Archbishop Hebda has received numerous awards and honors for his service to the Church and community. These include recognition for his work with immigrants and refugees, as well as his efforts to combat poverty and homelessness. He is also known for his advocacy on behalf of victims of clergy sexual abuse.
Personal Life
Outside of his work in the Church, Bernard Hebda is known for his warm personality, sense of humor, and love of sports. He is an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and enjoys spending time with family and friends whenever possible. Despite his busy schedule, he always makes time for those closest to him.
Future Endeavors
As Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Bernard Hebda continues to lead with grace, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to serving others. His legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come as he continues to inspire others to live out their faith with love and integrity.
