They didn’t explain the beaver (probably too obvious!).
Bp Scharfenberger was influential in NYC years ago under O’Connor and I’m glad he’s your bishop. Congratulations!
The beaver’s meaning is not obvious to me. Why a beaver?
Also, I am seriously bummed that this Scharfenberger fellow seems to have absolutely nothing to do with gourmet chocolate.
The beaver is taken from the coat of arms of the City of Albany. Albany was originally called Beverwyck, or "Beaver Town," because the city was the exchange point of the inland fur trade. This symbol dates back to the 17th century. The beaver grasps a pastoral staff, or crosier, to represent the rank of bishop.
“...didn’t explain the beaver...”
I wanted to read about the beaver too! I know that the trade beaver pelts p;ayed an essential role in the very early economy and development of New York State; and there is also a beaver pelt trading tie-in with the early French Catholics - Jesuit martyrs, etc. - this probably all comes into play, but I was waiting ...
Thanks for the congrats! My daughter (16) will be confirmed by the new bishop on April 28th and we are anticipating much joy and grace from the Holy Spirit as she recieves this sacrament.