Photo Courtesy of the Diocese of Columbus
Bishop Robert Brennan
By Forum Staff
Pope Francis has named the Most Rev. Robert Brennan as the eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn. The appointment was announced last Wednesday by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.
The Most Rev. Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, who turned 75 years of age on June 16, 2019, had submitted his resignation on that date as required by Canon Law. His resignation was accepted on Sept. 29, 2021, by Pope Francis.
“In the selection of Bishop Robert Brennan, the Holy Father has called upon a native New Yorker to return to lead the faithful of Brooklyn and Queens. On behalf of the Diocese of Brooklyn, I welcome Bishop Brennan who I have known for many years, with confidence in his ability to lead our Catholic community and build upon the pastoral achievements we have made. It has truly been an honor to serve as Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn for 18 years,” DiMarzio said.
Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army
The Most Rev. Nicholas DiMarzio
“I came to know amazing people in the Diocese of Columbus and there is a tremendous sadness in leaving them behind. As I prepare for a return to New York, I am ready and eager to embrace the people of Brooklyn and Queens as their pastor. Knowing we are loved by Jesus, we will strive to show others his face, bearing the Joy of the Gospel and the Splendor of Truth. In the end, that’s what it is all about – in Columbus, Brooklyn, and around the world,” said Bishop Brennan, the current Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus.
Bishop Brennan was born on June 7, 1962, to Robert and Patricia Brennan in the Bronx and was raised in Lindenhurst, Long Island. Bishop Brennan attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Lindenhurst and St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in West Islip. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and computer science from St. John’s University in Queens.
Bishop Brennan completed his studies for the priesthood at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, New York, and was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Rockville Centre on May 27, 1989, by then-Bishop John McGann. His first parish assignment was at the Church of St. Patrick in Smithtown. In 1994, he was appointed Secretary to the Bishop and served in such capacity for three bishops: Bishops John McGann, James McHugh, and William Murphy. He has previously served as the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Rockville Centre and was ordained an Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Rockville Centre on July 25, 2012.
Bishop Brennan was appointed the 12th Bishop of Columbus on Jan. 31, 2019, and was installed on March 29, 2019.
