Three of Archdiocese’s auxiliary bishops celebrate fifth anniversaries
Five years ago, Pope Frances appointed three new Auxiliary Bishops to the Archdiocese of Newark to assist Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., in serving the pastoral and administrative needs of the Archdiocese. Bishops Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B, Michael A. Saporito, and Gregory J. Studerus, joined Bishop Manuel A. Cruz in ministering to more than 1.3 million Catholics living in Union, Bergen, Hudson, and Essex counties.
When they were ordained in June 2020, the Archdiocese of Newark was in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Though it was a challenging moment to begin a new job, the three new auxiliaries embraced their responsibilities with enthusiasm. Today, they continue to faithfully serve the local Church in her mission of spreading the Gospel and caring for the People of God.
Last month, it was announced that Pope Leo XIV had accepted the resignation of Bishop Studerus. As Bishop emeritus, he will remain active in the pastoral life of the Archdiocese.
Jersey Catholic asked the three Auxiliary Bishops celebrating anniversaries what the last five years of ministry have meant for them. Here is what they said:
Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B.
The past five years as an auxiliary bishop in our Archdiocese have been filled with many blessings and graces, for which I daily give praise and thanks to God! I am inspired by the generous and zealous service of our priests and deacons in our parishes and various chaplaincies. I am humbled by the dedication and collaboration of consecrated women and men who minister with us in this local Church of Newark. I encourage them whenever possible to press forward, always forward, everywhere forward together in faith, hope, and love.” – Bishop Lorenzo
Bishop Michael A. Saporito
I remain humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve the church of Newark and more than ever appreciate the immense responsibility of episcopal ministry. I have certainly come to know the vastness and the richness of our incredible Archdiocese. The sacrificial example of our laity, priests, and religious is inspirational.” – Bishop Saporito
Bishop Gregory J. Studerus
Of all the responsibilities that Cardinal Tobin shared with me, I believe the most important was to give support and encouragement to my brother priests. It was the most satisfying part of my ministry, and hopefully offered to them something of what they needed to face the distinct challenges that each one of them confronts daily in their ministries.” – Bishop Studerus
Visit our photo galleries for more images of Bishop Lorenzo, Bishop Saporito, and Bishop Studerus.
Featured image: Bishop Gregory J. Studerus, Bishop Michael A. Saporito, and Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B. and pictured with Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, following their consecration as auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese in June 2020.
