Obituary: Monsignor Andrew G. Varga, 69

From Lesko & Polke Funeral Home:

Monsignor Andrew G. Varga, beloved pastor of St. Luke’s Parish, Westport, wonderful brother and uncle, and dear friend, died on Monday afternoon, March 7, 2022. He was 69 years of age.

Andrew George Varga was born in Bridgeport on Nov. 3, 1952, son of Andrew and Gizella S. Varga. He was baptized Nov. 30, 1952, at St. 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. Monsignor 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 Rev. Walter W. Curtis at St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport on May 6, 1978.

Following his ordination, his first assignment was as associate pastor of St. Matthew Church in Norwalk (1978-1983). In 1983, he was transferred to St. Theresa Church in Trumbull, where he had served as deacon. In 1991, Monsignor Varga was assigned to Saint Leo Church in Stamford. In February 1992, he was assigned as temporary administrator of St. Joseph Parish in Brookfield before formally being made pastor in August of the same year. He began his last assignment as pastor of St. 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, Monsignor 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, Monsignor Varga received the great honor of being named chaplain to His Holiness.

He was a gifted liturgist, homilist, though what energized him most was ministering to the people in his parish communities through the years. He saw them through and shared willingly in their joys and challenges. He journeyed full circle with many of those he baptized who later came to him for marriage and the baptism of their own children and laying to rest 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.

Monsignor Varga’s body will be received at St. Luke Church, Westport, on Thursday, March 17, at 3 p.m. and will lie in repose until 7 p.m. At 7 p.m., Mass will be celebrated for the repose of Monsignor Varga’s soul. The principal celebrant will be Monsignor Tom Powers, vicar general; the homilist will be the Rev. Skip Karcsinski. The Most Rev. Frank J. Caggiano, bishop of Bridgeport, will celebrate the Funeral Mass on Friday, March 18, at 11 a.m. The homilist will be Deacon Brian Kelly. Interment will be private.

Condolences can be sent to monsignor’s sister, Elizabeth Robinson, at 15 Andre Drive, Succasunna, NJ 07876. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Monsignor Varga and for the consolation of his family.

In lieu of flowers, give of your time, talents and/or treasures to your local parish and community. For travel directions or to sign his online guest registry, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com.