Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo

Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo is a Roman Catholic bishop known for his leadership within the Archdiocese of Newark. He currently serves as an auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese, a role he has held since 2020, after many years of work in monastic leadership, education, and international religious administration.

Early Life and Education

Bishop Lorenzo was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1960, and grew up in the Sunset Park neighborhood. His early schooling took place at St. Agatha Parish School, followed by Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary, where he was first introduced to the disciplined rhythm of prayer, study, and community life that shaped his calling.

He later attended Don Bosco College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, before entering St. Mary’s Abbey in Morristown, New Jersey. There he began his formation as a Benedictine monk, making his first monastic vows in 1985. He continued his graduate theological studies at St. John’s University and completed additional graduate work in counseling psychology at Seton Hall University.

Bishop Lorenzo was ordained a priest in 1989.

Ministry and Academic Work

Much of Bishop Elias Lorenzo’s early ministry took place at Delbarton School, a Benedictine college-prep school in New Jersey. At Delbarton he served in several capacities:

• Teacher

• Campus minister

• Vice president

• Member of the board of trustees

His work blended education, spiritual formation, and administrative leadership, reflecting his long-standing commitment to Catholic education.

Leadership in the Benedictine Order

Beyond his school roles, Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo became a respected leader within the wider Benedictine world. His positions have included:

• Prior (second-in-command) of St. Mary’s Abbey

• Rector of the Abbey Church

• Prior of St. Anselm Primatial Abbey in Rome, Italy

• Procurator General of the International Benedictine Confederation

• Founding member and President of the International Commission on Benedictine Education, which unites more than 180 schools throughout the world

• Abbot president of the American Cassinese Congregation, the association of Benedictine monasteries in the North and South America 

• Service on national and international committees related to monastic governance and formation

These responsibilities placed him in contact with Benedictine communities around the world, expanding his influence beyond the United States.

Episcopal Ministry

On February 27, Pope Francis appointed Lorenzo as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark and assigned him the Titular See of Tabuda.

He was consecrated on June 30, 2020, during a liturgy held at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.

As auxiliary bishop, Bishop Lorenzo assists the archbishop with pastoral leadership, administration, and sacramental duties throughout the large and diverse archdiocese.

Areas of Focus and Service

Throughout his career, Bishop Lorenzo has been particularly committed to:

• Strengthening Catholic education

• Supporting monastic life and formation

• Encouraging intercultural exchange within the Church

• Providing pastoral care to clergy, religious communities, and the faithful

His background as a Benedictine monk continues to shape his spiritual approach, emphasizing community life, stability, contemplation, and balanced service.

Legacy

Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo is recognized for his combination of academic insight, international monastic experience, and pastoral leadership. His decades-long dedication to education and Benedictine spirituality has had a lasting impact on both the communities he has served and the Archdiocese of Newark.