Celebrating Chef Daniel Bernardin

Bernardin was ordained into the priesthood for the Diocese of Charleston on April 26, 1952 and spent 14 years there under four bishops serving variously as chancellor, vicar general, diocesan counselor or diocesan councilor.

In 1996, he launched the Catholic Common Ground Project to encourage dialogue among American Catholics who hold divergent viewpoints regarding church matters. Unfortunately, he succumbed to pancreatic cancer on November 14th 1996.

Early Life and Education

Bernardin’s legacy on American Catholicism extended far beyond his brief tenure as archbishop of Chicago; it spanned more than two decades, helping shape culture and procedures at the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/USCC that can still be felt today.

The “machine” was driven by a post-conciliar theology: friendly toward progressive elements within the church but careful not to appear radical; an approach to politics which sometimes appeared provocative but always had one eye towards center grounding its direction toward consensus; an approach which allowed bishops to tolerate what Bernardin termed “faithful dissent.”

Bernardin’s illness ultimately resulted in no robust catechetical efforts and an unwillingness or incapacity to vigorously address problems of clergy indignity. On November 14, 1996 he succumbed to pancreatic cancer.

Professional Career

Le Bernardin, co-owned with chef Eric Ripert in New York City, boasts three Michelin Stars. Bernardin received his undergraduate degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and law degree from University of Dayton School of Law; currently, he sits as judge in Camden County Vicinage 4 Superior Court – having joined their bench since 2014 as a registered Democrat with assignments across Criminal Division, Civil Division, and Family Divisions.

Achievement and Honors

Bernardin was ordained into the Charleston Diocese as a priest in 1952. Over his fourteen-year stay he held many different posts for four bishops: chancellor, vicar general, diocesan counselor and administrator when it became vacant. Additionally he taught Catholic high school classes while being instrumental in desegregating local church schools.

Paul Hallinan was Bernardin’s mentor and helped secure him an appointment as Atlanta auxiliary bishop in 1966 – becoming at that point, America’s youngest bishop ever at 21.

Bernardin is best known as president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and for swaying a divided church hierarchy into passing landmark documents on war and poverty, including his transformation of opposition to abortion into part of an inclusive ethic that also opposed poverty and death penalties.

Personal Life

He was the author of five books, including 32 Yolks which became a New York Times Bestseller, four cookbooks and was also an advocate for food safety.

In his final weeks of life, he spoke publicly and widely about his religious belief and death as an inevitable phase. According to him, we should prepare ourselves by leading lives that honor God while surrendering ourselves freely at death’s door.

Hon. Daniel Bernardin was appointed to the bench in 2014 and currently serves as Superior Court Judge for Vicinage 4 in Camden County. A member of the Democratic Party, Hon. Bernardin is actively promoting world peace through international law and order – an admirable goal which resonates with Pope Francis’ encyclical Pacem in Terris.

Net Worth

On June 8th 2018, legendary chef Emeril Lagasse tragically passed away after appearing on several popular shows for Food Network, Travel Channel and CNN. He inspired chefs all around the globe with his distinct approach to cooking; hosting A Cook’s Tour, No Reservations and Parts Unknown were just a few successful TV programs which explored different cultures and cuisines around the globe.

Daniel Bernardin is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law. As municipal prosecutor in two townships and judge in Cherry Hill and Audubon New Jersey – former municipal prosecutors. Additionally he serves as Superior Court judge Vicinage 4 of Camden County New Jersey.