Bishop Elias Lorenzo Male • United States of America

Bishop Elias Lorenzo was born in Brooklyn in October 1960 and raised in Sunset Park. He attended St. Agatha Parish Elementary School and later moved on to Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary, where he was introduced to a life of disciplined study and regular prayer. These early experiences shaped his commitment to a life of service and learning, a commitment that continued throughout his personal and spiritual journey.

Bishop pursued higher education at Don Bosco College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy. His monastic life began at St. Mary’s Abbey in Morris Township, where he made his first profession of vows in March 1985. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1989 and began his work in education and ministry shortly after.

Bishop started teaching at a school in Morristown and served as director of campus ministry, organizing retreats and service initiatives for students. Later, he became the school's vice president while continuing to teach and lead. His leadership style remained grounded in close involvement with both students and faculty.

His academic journey included a Master of Liturgical Theology from a university in Collegeville and a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from a university in New Jersey. A Licentiate in Canon Law from a university in Washington, D.C. This blend of liturgical, psychological, and legal training prepared him to support monastic communities through both practical and pastoral needs.

Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo held leadership roles starting as prior at the abbey in 1995, and later in 2009 at an international Benedictine community in Rome. He also served as procurator general, representing Benedictine communities before the Vatican, and was elected abbot-president of a North American congregation in 2016.

His work extended globally through visits to schools as part of an international educational commission and participation in medical missions. He also contributed to efforts to protect vulnerable individuals through advisory roles in safety organizations.

On February 27, 2020, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Newark and received episcopal consecration on June 30. Bishop Elias Lorenzo continues his mission by serving Union County, supporting parishes, and assisting with the archdiocese's pastoral and administrative needs.