Andrew Varga
Nov. 3, 1952 – Mar. 7, 2022
Monsignor Andrew G. Varga , beloved pastor of St Luke’s Parish, Westport CT, wonderful brother & uncle and dear friend, died on Monday afternoon, March 7, 2022. He was 69 years of age.
Andrew George Varga was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on November 3, 1952, son of Andrew and Gizella S. Varga. He was baptized November 30, 1952, at Saint Stephen Church, Spruce Street in Bridgeport. He made his First Holy Communion and received the Sacrament of Confirmation at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Stratford.
He attended Holy Name of Jesus School, Fairfield College Preparatory School in Fairfield and Fairfield University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Msgr. Varga received his priestly formation at the Theological College of the Catholic University of America, receiving a Master of Arts in Theology. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Bridgeport by the Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis at Saint Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport on May 6, 1978.
Following his ordination, his first assignment was as Associate Pastor of Saint Matthew Church in Norwalk. (1978-1983). In 1983, he was transferred to Saint Theresa Church in Trumbull where he had served as deacon. In 1991, Msgr. Varga was assigned to Saint Leo Church in Stamford. In February 1992, he was assigned as temporary administrator of Saint Joseph Parish in Brookfield before formally being made Pastor in August of the same year. He began his last assignment as Pastor of Saint Luke Church in Westport in 1997, a position he held for 25 years.
In 1982, he was awarded a Doctor of Ministry degree from the School of Religious Studies in the Department of Theology at the Catholic University of America. Throughout his years of priestly ministry in the Diocese, Msgr. Varga served on both the Presbyteral Council and the College of Consultors. Bishop Caggiano appointed Monsignor Varga as Territorial Vicar for Vicariate II in 2014. He chaired the Diocesan Liturgical Commission for many years, served on the Sacred Arts Committee and was an active team member of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate, speaking at workshops around the country. In addition, Monsignor taught homiletics in the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program for many years. Monsignor Varga was a member of the committee appointed by Bishop William Lori for the preparation and catechesis for the new English translation of the Roman Missal in 2011.
In 2008, Msgr. Varga was named a Prelate of Honor by Pope Benedict XVI.He was a gifted liturgist and homilist, but what energized him most was ministering to the people in his parish communities throughout the years. He saw them through and willingly shared in their joys and challenges. He journeyed full circle with many of those he baptized, who later came to him for marriage, the baptism of their own children, and the laying to rest of their parents and loved ones.
He loved a good joke and could tell a great story, a talent that could bring a smile or lighten a burden.
Msgr. Varga’s body will be received at Saint Luke Church, Westport, on Thursday, March 17 at 3:00 p.m. and will lie in repose until 7:00 p.m. At 7:00 PM, Mass will be celebrated for the repose of Monsignor Varga’s soul. The principal celebrant will be Msgr. Tom Powers, Vicar General; the homilist will be Rev. Skip Karcsinski. The Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport, will celebrate the Funeral Mass on Friday, March 18 at 11:00 a.m. The homilist will be Deacon Brian Kelly.
Tribute prepared by the Diocese of Bridgeport.