Bishop Jenő Schönberger

Bishop Jenő Schönberger was born on June 18, 1959, in Túrterebes. He completed his theological studies at the Gyulafehérvár Seminary. On June 23, 1985, Dr. Antal Jakab, Bishop of Gyulafehérvár, ordained him a priest for the Diocese of Szatmár. He served as an assistant priest at St. Joseph of Calasanz Parish in Nagykároly (1985–1987), St. John Parish in Szatmárnémeti (1987–1990), Holy Trinity Parish in Nagybánya (1990–1991), and Christ the King Parish in Nagybánya (1991–1994). He served as parish priest in Mezőpetri (1994) and at the Holy Family Parish in Szatmárnémeti (1994–1997). From 1997 to 2001, he was the spiritual director and a professor of liturgy at the Gyulafehérvár Theological College. On May 1, 2000, he received the title of honorary archdeacon in Szatmárnémeti, and in December, the Archdiocese of Gyulafehérvár honored his work by conferring upon him the title of Councilor of the Curia. From 2001, he served as parish priest in Szamosdara and as the diocesan chief supervisor of religious education. From 2002, he was the parish priest and district dean of Máramarossziget. On April 30, 2003, Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of the Diocese of Szatmár. On June 21, he was ordained bishop by Dr. György Jakubinyi, Archbishop of Gyulafehérvár, in the Szatmár Cathedral.