The Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito, DD, JCL, Bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach in Florida, was recently named an Affiliated Member of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools at the request of the District of Eastern North America (DENA). This is the highest honor bestowed by the Christian Brothers. It recognizes those who have been associated with the fraternal character and the educational apostolate of the Brothers to a very high degree. Bishop Barbarito truly exemplifies these Lasallian values.
Bishop Barbarito is a Brooklyn NY native who has known the Christian Brothers for many years. His faithful service in the Diocese of Brooklyn, especially in support of education for the underserved, led to his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop in 1994. He was named Bishop of Ogdensburg NY in 1999.
Since being named the Bishop of Palm Beach in 2003, Bishop Barbarito has continued to show appreciation and support for the Lasallian mission. As one example, he signed a Covenant Agreement allowing Saint John Paul II Academy in Boca Raton to follow the tradition of the Lasallian charism. Br. Daniel Aubin, FSC, of DENA serves as school president.
We congratulate and welcome our newest AFSC for this well-deserved honor!