New project documents rich history of Newark Archdiocese (Photos)
In 2028, the Archdiocese of Newark will celebrate its 175th anniversary. Created by Pope Pius IX in 1853, the diocese was elevated to the rank of metropolitan see in 1937 and in the ensuing years has continued to grow by leaps and bounds.
Over the last 175 years, the people of the archdiocese have been moved to share God’s love with neighbors and strangers alike. Many of our churches and buildings were built by immigrants who valued faith-filled homes and a communal way of life centered on familiar customs and celebrations.
As the region grew, so did the number of parishes and schools. Today the archdiocese has 212 parishes and 64 schools, along with one diocesan university. There are also three universities and multiple private high schools sponsored by religious orders. Charitable initiatives include 86 Catholic Charities programs in all four counties of the archdiocese, three Mercy House locations, St. John’s Service Center, and numerous parish food pantries supported by parishes and schools.
To document this rich history, the Office of the Chancellor is preparing a book featuring the parishes, universities, schools, motherhouses, provincialates, institutions, charities, cemeteries, and other institutions that make up the extraordinary fabric of the Archdiocese of Newark.
Writing with light
A key part of this project involves our collaboration with professional writers who are producing a narrative history of the archdiocese. We are also working with an architectural photographer, Serge Detalle, who has spent many weeks photographing our parishes and institutions.
To date, Detalle has visited more than three hundred locations. They include nearly all of our churches, 18 high schools, 40 grade schools, three hospitals, three seminaries, six monasteries, eight motherhouses and provincialates, and four universities.
Asked about his approach to photography, Detalle pointed out that the word photograph comes from the Greek, combining phos (light) and graphė (drawing/writing). Detalle said that this is his mission: to write with the light.
As the photography phase of the project nears completion, Detalle expressed his thanks for the warm welcome and assistance he has received from many people in the archdiocese. He also shared the joyful news that he will soon welcome his second grandchild when he returns to France.
In gratitude for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to document, share, and celebrate the history of the archdiocese, our office would like to share a preview of Serge Detalle’s beautiful photographs. Stay tuned for more news about this exciting venture as it is near publication.
CLICK HERE for a preview of Serge Detalle’s photographs of the Archdiocese of Newark.
Sister Donna Ciangio, O.P., is the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Newark.
Featured image: A view of Notre Dame Catholic Church in North Caldwell, NJ, photographed as part of a project documenting the heritage of the Archdiocese of Newark for its 175th anniversary in 2028. (Courtesy of Serge Detalle)
