After years of service, Bishop Nichols DiMarzio is retiring from his role as the Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn. He will be replaced by Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, who has been appointed as the eight Bishop of the Diocese by Pope Francis.
Bishop Dimarzio, age 75, originally submitted his letter of resignation on June 16, 2019. His resignation was accepted today by Pope Francis, followed by an announcement that Bishop Brennan will fill the position.
“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,” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio. “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.”
Bishop DiMarzio continued: “This is a historic moment for the Diocese of Brooklyn which is a very active Diocese, and Bishop Brennan’s energy makes him a perfect choice. I ask for God’s blessings on this transition so that the work of God, in service to His people, can effectively continue for the more than 1.2 million Catholics throughout Brooklyn and Queens.”
Bishop Robert J. Brennan was born and raised on Long Island, where he attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Lindenhurst and St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in West Islip. He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and computer science from St. John’s University in Queens before completing his studies for the priesthood at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington.
Brennan served as a parish priest for St. Patrick in Smithtown and was later ordained an Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. In 2019, Pope Francis appointed him as the 12th Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus in Ohio.
For Bishop Brennan, the appointment in Brooklyn feels like a homecoming of sorts.
“I came to know amazing people in the Diocese of Columbus and there is a tremendous sadness in leaving them behind,” said Bishop Brennan. “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.”
Bishops Brennan and DiMarzio marked the occasion with a special mass they celebrated together this morning at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. The pair continued by leading a prayer service with staff at the Diocese’ headquarters in Prospect Park and a visit with the students of St. Saviour Catholic Academy and St. Saviour High School in Park Slope.
A Mass of Installation for Bishop-Designate Robert Brennan will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 2 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Brooklyn.
