BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo is set to install Michael Fisher as its 15th bishop on Friday.

What You Need To Know

  • Michael Fisher is set to be installed as the 15th bishop of Buffalo Friday afternoon
  • Protests are planned prior to the Mass from those who oppose the appointment
  • You can read more about our conversation tomorrow
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The bishop says he knows leading the Diocese of Buffalo will not be an easy task given the number of issues it faces, yet he says he's ready for the challenge and had no reservations about accepting the position.

"We can't do things the same way. I've never said no to an assignment. I was grateful that the Holy Father had the confidence to give me a great gift of the people of Buffalo," said Michael Fisher, appointed bishop of Buffalo.

Fisher was introduced virtually back on December first after Pope Francis had appointed him the 15th bishop of Buffalo.

He takes the reigns from Buffalo's Apostolic Administrator, Albany Bishop Edward Scharfenberger, who took over following the resignation of former Bishop of Buffalo, Richard Malone, back in December 2019.

As for Bishop Fisher, he most recently served as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington in D.C.

He says his goals include being a good listener and immersing himself in the issues facing the Diocese, issues like the clergy abuse scandal and bankruptcy, as well as, re-strengthening parish life post-pandemic, getting to know the people of the Diocese and working to earn their trust. 

"But I want to make sure that I have all the information and that we're clear, what is best of the good people of the Diocese. What is best for the victims of abuse. And how can we help them heal. What needs to be provided for them so that they can move on but at the same time that we don't leave them behind," said Bishop Fisher.

Fisher will be installed Friday at 2:00 p.m., inside Saint Joseph Cathedral, and you can watch the Mass live right here on Spectrum News.

You can also see more of our conversation with Bishop Fisher on Friday as well.  

What should also be pointed out is not everyone in the Catholic community is accepting of the appointment, as there will be a demonstration outside the Cathedral at noon prior to the installation, protesting the Pope's choice.

Given Fisher's long-time association with Washington D.C., we asked him about the recent Capitol storming, and he said watching the events unfold was heart-breaking.

He added he wasn't overly surprised it happened, but was surprised to the level in which it escalated.

We also talked about examining Catholic education as he looks to try and help schools and parishes for that matter, that are struggling.

On a lighter note, we asked the bishop given his Baltimore background if he was secretly rooting for the Ravens Saturday night. He told me he hasn't been a Baltimore football fan since the Colts left town, though he says he wasn't rooting for them last week against the Bills either. He says he is cheering for "Buffalo to win and Go Bills."