At 58, the new leader of the Maine Catholic diocese is one of the youngest bishops in the United States. During a recent interview, Malone was friendly and warm, showing a sense of humor. Told that many people in central Maine refer to Lewiston-Auburn as “L-A,” Malone laughed and noted that it’s good to know the local jargon. His answers to questions were thoughtful, clear and direct.

His young life: He was born in Salem, Mass., on March 19, 1946, to an Irish Catholic family, one of two children. Raised in Hamilton and Beverly, Malone has spent virtually all of his life in Massachusetts, most of his adult life as an educator teaching in high schools and colleges. His sister, Harriet Malone, teaches art at St. John’s Prep in Danvers, Mass.

Education: He has several degrees, including a doctorate in theology from Boston University.

Religious highlights: He began to think about becoming a priest in high school, at St. John’s Prep in Danvers. In 1972 at the age of 26 he was ordained and assigned to St. Patrick Parish in Stoneham, Mass. In 1995 he was named secretary for education for the Boston Archdiocese, a position that oversees all education for the archdiocese. In 2000 he was ordained a bishop in Boston.

In Maine: On March 31 Malone officially replaced retiring Maine Bishop Joseph Gerry. On the job seven weeks, Malone has spent many hours traveling throughout Maine and has met with 50 of Maine’s 100 priests, “something I’m proud of,” he says.

TV? Not regularly. PBS. The news. “West Wing” on occasion.

Music? Plays piano – classical. Enjoys Mozart and Bach.

Favorite artist: His sister Harriet Malone.

Favorite popular books? Enjoys mystery novels – a variety. Not reading a particular one at the moment.

Thoughts on the “The DaVinci Code”: “It holds one’s attention but is a mix of fact and fiction when it comes to information about the church. Biased against the church in some ways.”

Sports? Loves baseball – the Red Sox. Will be going to a Sea Dogs game this summer and already has his Sea Dogs cap. Used to play tennis, but unable to now because of a bad back.

Favorite quote: From Pope Paul VI: “The church exists in order to evangelize.”

Source: Bishop Malone and his office