He was the first native of the Buffalo Diocese to become its bishop. He was baptized at Saint Joseph's Cathedral by Bishop Quigley. He was consecrated as Auxiliary Bishop for Buffalo in 1943. In 1944 and in 1951 he served as administrator of the diocese until a new bishop was appointed. He was installed on April 30, 1952. In his ten years as bishop, he gave his support to various groups, including the Holy Name, the Missions, Pre-Cana, Puerto Rican migrants, and displaced persons. He continued the expansion and construction of schools including Saint John Vianney Seminary in East Aurora. Bishop Burke died in Rome during the first week of Vatican II in October 1962. His body was buried in front of the chapel at Christ the King Seminary (Saint John Vianney) in East Aurora. When the seminary closed in 2020, it was moved St. Joseph's Cathedral.
Ninth Bishop of Buffalo.
Ninth Bishop of Buffalo.
He was the first native of the Buffalo Diocese to become its bishop. He was baptized at Saint Joseph's Cathedral by Bishop Quigley. He was consecrated as Auxiliary Bishop for Buffalo in 1943. In 1944 and in 1951 he served as administrator of the diocese until a new bishop was appointed. He was installed on April 30, 1952. In his ten years as bishop, he gave his support to various groups, including the Holy Name, the Missions, Pre-Cana, Puerto Rican migrants, and displaced persons. He continued the expansion and construction of schools including Saint John Vianney Seminary in East Aurora. Bishop Burke died in Rome during the first week of Vatican II in October 1962. His body was buried in front of the chapel at Christ the King Seminary (Saint John Vianney) in East Aurora. When the seminary closed in 2020, it was moved St. Joseph's Cathedral.
Ninth Bishop of Buffalo.
Ninth Bishop of Buffalo.
