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| name = Robert John Brennan
| name = Robert John Brennan
| title = [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn|Bishop of Brooklyn]]
| title = [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn|Bishop of Brooklyn]]
| image = Coat of arms of Robert John Brennan (Brooklyn).svg
| image = Bishop Robert Brennan.jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| church = [[Roman Catholic Church]]
| church = [[Catholic Church]]
| archdiocese =
| archdiocese =
| diocese = [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn|Brooklyn]]
| diocese =
| see = [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn|Brooklyn]]
| see =
| appointed = September 29, 2021
| appointed = September 29, 2021
| enthroned = November 30, 2021
| enthroned = November 30, 2021
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| death_place =
| death_place =
| coat_of_arms =
| coat_of_arms =
| motto = THY WILL BE DONE
| motto = Thy will be done
| alma_mater = [[St. John's University (New York City)|St. John's University]]<br>[[Seminary of the Immaculate Conception]]
| alma_mater = [[St. John's University (New York City)|St. John's University]]<br>[[Seminary of the Immaculate Conception]]
| honorific_prefix = The Most Reverend
| honorific_prefix = [[His Excellency]], [[The Most Reverend]]
}}
}}


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}}
}}


'''Robert John Brennan''' (born June 7, 1962) is an American [[prelate]] of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] who has served as bishop of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn|Diocese of Brooklyn]] in New York City since 2021. Previously he served as an [[auxiliary bishop]] of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre|Diocese of Rockville Centre]] in New York from 2012 to 2019, and as bishop of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus|Diocese of Columbus]] in Ohio from 2019 to 2021.
'''Robert John Brennan''' (born June 7, 1962) is an American [[prelate]] of the [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic Church]] who has served as bishop of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn|Diocese of Brooklyn]] in New York City since 2021. Previously he served as an [[auxiliary bishop]] of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre|Diocese of Rockville Centre]] in New York from 2012 to 2019, and as bishop of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus|Diocese of Columbus]] in Ohio from 2019 to 2021.


==Biography==
==Biography==


=== Early life ===
=== Early life ===
Robert J. Brennan was born in [[Bronx, New York|the Bronx, New York]]. He attended [[St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School|St. John the Baptist High School]] in West Islip, New York. His maternal grandfather was an immigrant from Ireland He earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics from [[St. John's University (New York City)|St. John's University]] in Queens. He studied for his [[Master of Divinity]] degree at the [[Seminary of the Immaculate Conception]] in Huntington, New York.
Robert J. Brennan was born on June 7, 1962, to Robert and Patricia Brennan in [[Bronx, New York|the Bronx, New York]]. He has two brothers and two sisters. His maternal grandfather was an immigrant from Ireland. Robert Brennan earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics from [[St. John's University (New York City)|St. John's University]] in Queens.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |date=2021-12-01 |title=Most Rev. Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn |url=https://dioceseofbrooklyn.org/bishops/bishop-robert-j-brennan/ |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=Diocese of Brooklyn |language=en-US}}</ref>

Brennan was raised in [[Lindenhurst, New York]]. He went to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Lindenhurst and then attended St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in [[West Islip, New York]]. After finishing high school, Brennan entered [[St. John's University (New York City)|St. John’s University]] in Queens, New York, where he received a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and computer science.<ref name=":2" />

Having decided to become a priest, Brennan enrolled at the [[Seminary of the Immaculate Conception]] in Huntington, New York, where he was awarded a [[Master of Divinity]] degree.<ref name=":2" />


=== Priesthood ===
=== Priesthood ===
Brennan was ordained a priest on May 27, 1989, by Bishop [[John R. McGann|John McGann]]. Brennan's first pastoral assignment was at St. Patrick Parish in [[Smithtown, New York]].
Brennan was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Rockville Centre at [[St. Agnes Cathedral (Rockville Centre, New York)|St. Agnes Cathedral]] in Rockville Centre on May 27, 1989, by Bishop [[John R. McGann]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Bishop Robert John Brennan [Catholic-Hierarchy] |url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bbrenr.html |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=www.catholic-hierarchy.org}}</ref> Brennan's first pastoral assignment was at St. Patrick Parish in [[Smithtown, New York]].<ref name=":2" />


Brennan was appointed bishop's secretary and served in that role under Bishops John R. McGann, [[James T. McHugh|James McHugh]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=McHugh Chronicles|url=https://www.newengelpublishing.com/products/McHugh-Chronicles.html|access-date=2021-07-30|website=New Engel Publishing|language=en}}</ref> and [[William Murphy (bishop of Rockville Centre)|William F. Murphy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drvc.org/auxiliary-bishops/the-most-reverend-paul-h.-walsh.html|title=The Most Reverend Paul H. Walsh|accessdate=6 January 2013}}</ref> Before his consecration as bishop, Brennan was the pastor of St. Mary's Parish in [[Long Beach, New York]].
In 1994, McGann appointed Brennan as his priest-secretary. He continued in this role for Bishops [[James T. McHugh|James McHugh]] and [[William Murphy (bishop of Rockville Centre)|William F. Murphy]], while also providing pastoral service at St. Agnes Cathedral Parish. Brennan left this position in 2002 to become [[vicar general]] and moderator of the curia. In 2010, he was named pastor of St. Mary's Parish in [[Long Beach, New York]].<ref name=":2" />


=== Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre ===
=== Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre ===
[[File:Coat of arms of Robert J. Brennan.svg|thumb|right|Coat of arms of Robert J. Brennan as Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre]]
[[File:Coat of arms of Robert J. Brennan.svg|thumb|right|Coat of arms of Bishop Brennan as auxiliary bishop of Rockville Centre]]
Brennan was appointed titular bishop of Erdonia and auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre on June 8, 2012, by [[Pope Benedict XVI]]. He received his episcopal consecration on July 25, 2012, from Bishop [[William Murphy (bishop of Rockville Centre)|William Murphy]]. He was also made [[vicar general]] of the diocese. <ref>{{cite news | access-date = September 30, 2021 | url = https://www.liherald.com/rockvillecentre/stories/two-priests-become-auxiliary-bishops-in-st-agnes-ordination,42402 | work = Long Island Herald | title =Two priests become auxiliary bishops in St. Agnes ordination | date= August 1, 2012 | first = Judy | last = Rattner }}</ref>
Brennan was appointed [[titular bishop]] of Erdonia and auxiliary bishop of Rockville Centre on June 8, 2012, by [[Pope Benedict XVI]]. He received his episcopal consecration at St. Agnes Cathedral on July 25, 2012, from Bishop Murphy, with Archbishop [[Charles J. Chaput]] and Auxiliary Bishop [[Paul Henry Walsh]] acting as co-consecrators.<ref>{{cite news | access-date = September 30, 2021 | url = https://www.liherald.com/rockvillecentre/stories/two-priests-become-auxiliary-bishops-in-st-agnes-ordination,42402 | work = Long Island Herald | title =Two priests become auxiliary bishops in St. Agnes ordination | date= August 1, 2012 | first = Judy | last = Rattner }}</ref><ref name=":3" />


=== Bishop of Columbus ===
=== Bishop of Columbus ===
[[File:Coat of arms of Robert John Brennan.svg|thumb|right|Coat of arms of Robert J. Brennan as Bishop of Columbus]]
[[File:Coat of arms of Robert John Brennan.svg|thumb|right|Coat of arms of Bishop Brennan as bishop of Columbus]]
[[Pope Francis]] appointed Brennan as bishop of the Diocese of Columbus, on January 31, 2019.<ref>{{cite press release | access-date = September 29, 2021 | date= January 31, 2019 | publisher = Holy See Press Office |url = https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2019/01/31/190131b0.html | title = Resignations and Appointments, 31.01.2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|publisher = Catholic News | url=https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2019/pope-names-long-island-auxiliary-as-bishop-of-columbus.cfm| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201013636/https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2019/pope-names-long-island-auxiliary-as-bishop-of-columbus.cfm| url-status=dead| archive-date=February 1, 2019|title=Pope names Long Island auxiliary as bishop of Columbus| date= January 31, 2019 | access-date = September 30, 2021}}</ref> He was installed there on March 29, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/new-york-bishop-officially-installed-as-12th-bishop-of-the-catholic-diocese-of-columbus|title=New York Bishop officially installed as 12th Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus|first=Jackie|last=Orozco|date=March 29, 2019| access-date = September 30, 2021 | website=WSYX}}</ref>
[[Pope Francis]] appointed Brennan as bishop of Columbus on January 31, 2019.<ref>{{cite press release | access-date = September 29, 2021 | date= January 31, 2019 | publisher = Holy See Press Office |url = https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2019/01/31/190131b0.html | title = Resignations and Appointments, 31.01.2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|publisher = Catholic News | url=https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2019/pope-names-long-island-auxiliary-as-bishop-of-columbus.cfm| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201013636/https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2019/pope-names-long-island-auxiliary-as-bishop-of-columbus.cfm| url-status=dead| archive-date=February 1, 2019|title=Pope names Long Island auxiliary as bishop of Columbus| date= January 31, 2019 | access-date = September 30, 2021}}</ref> He was installed there on March 29, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/new-york-bishop-officially-installed-as-12th-bishop-of-the-catholic-diocese-of-columbus|title=New York Bishop officially installed as 12th Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus|first=Jackie|last=Orozco|date=March 29, 2019| access-date = September 30, 2021 | website=WSYX}}</ref> In August 2019, Brennan initiated with the Vatican the elevation of [[Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption (Lancaster, Ohio)|Saint Mary of the Assumption Church]] in Lancaster, Ohio, to the rank of a [[minor basilica]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bean |first=Doug |date=August 14, 2022 |title=Lancaster St. Mary of the Assumption designated a minor basilica |url=https://catholictimescolumbus.org/news/doug-bean-25eff3c4-ec24-452b-acd4-427d4c0bf403/lancaster-st-mary-of-the-assumption-designated-a-minor-basilica |access-date=2022-08-18 |website=The Catholic Times |language=en}}</ref>


In December of 2020, Brennan announced the "Real Presence Real Future" strategic planning initiative, aiming at "increasing the presence of Christ throughout its 23 counties over the next three years and upholding the Faith for future generations."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diocese of Columbus announces "Real Presence, Real Future" Strategic Initiative to Plot Future {{!}} Real Presence, Real Future |url=https://realpresencerealfuture.org/announcement/ |access-date=2022-04-24 |language=en-US}}</ref> The initiative, which was hailed as a hallmark of Brennan's 2 1/2 years in the diocese<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=King |first=Danae |date=12 October 2021 |title='Hallmark' of his time as bishop, Brennan hopes diocese reorientation continues without him |work=The Columbus Dispatch |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2021/10/12/columbus-catholic-bishop-robert-brennan-departure-affects-diocese-reorganization/6009847001/ |access-date=28 April 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220428065144/https://www.dispatch.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2021/10/12/columbus-catholic-bishop-robert-brennan-departure-affects-diocese-reorganization/6009847001/ |archive-date=28 April 2022}}</ref> is in the process of releasing draft models grouping parishes and resources together due in part to the shortage of Catholic priests,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-29 |title=Project to address needs of Catholics in central Ohio waiting on new bishop |url=https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/project-to-address-needs-of-catholics-in-central-ohio-waiting-on-new-bishop/ |access-date=2022-04-24 |website=NBC4 WCMH-TV |language=en-US}}</ref> and likely will result in the closures of some parishes.<ref name=":0" /> The initiative will be continued by Brennan's successor in Columbus, bishop [[Earl Fernandes]]. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Bishop-designate surprised by his appointment |url=https://catholictimescolumbus.org/news/tim-puet-2b021ee3-0b76-4300-945e-465c85be8474/bishop-designate-surprised-by-his-appointment |access-date=2022-04-16 |website=The Catholic Times |language=en}}</ref>
In December 2020, Brennan announced the "Real Presence Real Future" strategic planning initiative for the diocese. He described it as "increasing the presence of Christ throughout its 23 counties over the next three years and upholding the Faith for future generations."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diocese of Columbus announces "Real Presence, Real Future" Strategic Initiative to Plot Future {{!}} Real Presence, Real Future |url=https://realpresencerealfuture.org/announcement/ |access-date=2022-04-24 |language=en-US}}</ref> The initiative involved grouping some parishes and closing others to deal with the shortage of priests in the diocese. Diocesan officials termed the initiative a hallmark of Brennan's tenure as bishop in Columbus.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=King |first=Danae |date=12 October 2021 |title='Hallmark' of his time as bishop, Brennan hopes diocese reorientation continues without him |work=The Columbus Dispatch |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2021/10/12/columbus-catholic-bishop-robert-brennan-departure-affects-diocese-reorganization/6009847001/ |access-date=28 April 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220428065144/https://www.dispatch.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2021/10/12/columbus-catholic-bishop-robert-brennan-departure-affects-diocese-reorganization/6009847001/ |archive-date=28 April 2022}}</ref>


Brennan was praised for his [[ecumenism]] with local church leaders, and his condemnation of racism and police violence, especially following the death of Columbus man [[Casey Goodson]] in December 2020. <ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Danae |title=Columbus' Catholic bishop, Robert J. Brennan, is outspoken on race, engages with fellow faith leaders |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/01/11/columbus-ohio-catholic-bishop-robert-brennan-race-police-brutality-faith-leaders/4139680001/ |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=The Columbus Dispatch |language=en-US}}</ref>
In December 2020, Brennan gave his support to the cause of racial justice after the shooting of Casey Goodson by police in Columbus on December 4, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Danae |title=Columbus' Catholic bishop, Robert J. Brennan, is outspoken on race, engages with fellow faith leaders |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/01/11/columbus-ohio-catholic-bishop-robert-brennan-race-police-brutality-faith-leaders/4139680001/ |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=The Columbus Dispatch |language=en-US}}</ref>

The elevation of [[Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption (Lancaster, Ohio)|Saint Mary of the Assumption]] to the rank of a [[minor basilica]] was initiated by Brennan in August of 2019. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Lancaster St. Mary of the Assumption designated a minor basilica |url=https://catholictimescolumbus.org/news/doug-bean-25eff3c4-ec24-452b-acd4-427d4c0bf403/lancaster-st-mary-of-the-assumption-designated-a-minor-basilica |access-date=2022-08-18 |website=The Catholic Times |language=en}}</ref>


=== Bishop of Brooklyn ===
=== Bishop of Brooklyn ===
On September 29, 2021, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Bishop [[Nicholas DiMarzio]] of Diocese of Brooklyn and named Brennan to succeed him.<ref>{{cite press release | access-date = September 30, 2021 | date= September 29, 2021 | url = https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2021/09/29/210929c.html | publisher = Holy See Press Office | title = Resignations and Appointments, 29.09.2021 }}</ref> Brennan was installed as the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn by Cardinal [[Timothy M. Dolan|Timothy Dolan]] on November 30, 2021, at the [[Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph (Brooklyn)|Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph]] in Brooklyn. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Bishop Brennan installed as leader of the Brooklyn Diocese |url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2021/12/01/bishop-brennan-installed-as-leader-of-the-brooklyn-diocese |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=www.ny1.com |language=en}}</ref>
On September 29, 2021, Francis accepted the resignation of Bishop [[Nicholas DiMarzio]] of Brooklyn and named Brennan to succeed him.<ref>{{cite press release | access-date = September 30, 2021 | date= September 29, 2021 | url = https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2021/09/29/210929c.html | publisher = Holy See Press Office | title = Resignations and Appointments, 29.09.2021 }}</ref> Brennan was installed by Cardinal [[Timothy M. Dolan|Timothy Dolan]] on November 30, 2021, at the [[Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph (Brooklyn)|Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph]] in Brooklyn.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bishop Brennan installed as leader of the Brooklyn Diocese |url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2021/12/01/bishop-brennan-installed-as-leader-of-the-brooklyn-diocese |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=www.ny1.com |language=en}}</ref> Brennan's motto, "Thy Will Be Done", a passage from the [[Lord's Prayer]], is engraved upon the headstone of his grandfather, and was on a prayer card that he kept until his death.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brennan |first=The Most Rev Robert |title=Column: Bishop Robert Brennan and the meaning behind his motto, 'Thy will be done' |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2021/11/29/bishop-robert-brennan-importance-living-faith-scripture/8665071002/ |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=The Columbus Dispatch |language=en-US}}</ref>


⚫
In March 2022, the Vatican commissioned an investigation into Auxiliary Bishop [[Raymond Chappetto]] of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. He was accused of withholding a memo concerning possible sexual abuse by a diocesan priest.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Pillar |first=The |title=Brooklyn aux bishop under Vatican investigation, whistleblower resigns |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/brooklyn-aux-bishop-under-vatican |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=www.pillarcatholic.com|date=10 March 2022 }}</ref> The Vatican is conducting the Chappetto inquiry under the motu proprio [[Vos estis lux mundi]].{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}}
==== Mismanagement of Abuse Allegations ====
⚫
In March of 2022, an investigation into whether Brennan had knowledge of auxiliary bishop [[Raymond Chappetto]]'s withholding of a memo concerning possible sexual abuse by a priest of the Diocese began. The Holy See is conducting an inquiry into the allegations under the [[motu proprio]] [[Vos estis lux mundi]]. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Pillar |first=The |title=Brooklyn aux bishop under Vatican investigation, whistleblower resigns |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/brooklyn-aux-bishop-under-vatican |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=www.pillarcatholic.com|date=10 March 2022 }}</ref>

== Episcopal Motto ==
Brennan's motto, "Thy Will Be Done", a passage from the [[Lord's Prayer]], is engraved upon the headstone of his grandfather, and was on a prayer card that he kept until his death. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Brennan |first=The Most Rev Robert |title=Column: Bishop Robert Brennan and the meaning behind his motto, 'Thy will be done' |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2021/11/29/bishop-robert-brennan-importance-living-faith-scripture/8665071002/ |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=The Columbus Dispatch |language=en-US}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 88: Line 86:


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|2}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{wikiquote|Robert John Brennan}}
{{commonscat}}

* [https://dioceseofbrooklyn.org/ The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn Official Site]
* [https://dioceseofbrooklyn.org/ The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn Official Site]
* [https://columbuscatholic.org/ The Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus Official Site]
* [https://columbuscatholic.org/ The Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus Official Site]
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[[Category:1962 births]]
[[Category:1962 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from the Bronx]]
[[Category:Religious leaders from the Bronx]]
[[Category:Catholics from New York (state)]]
[[Category:Catholics from New York (state)]]
[[Category:21st-century Roman Catholic bishops in the United States]]
[[Category:21st-century Roman Catholic bishops in the United States]]

Latest revision as of 22:24, 17 June 2024

His Excellency, The Most Reverend

Robert John Brennan
Bishop of Brooklyn
ChurchCatholic Church
SeeBrooklyn
AppointedSeptember 29, 2021
InstalledNovember 30, 2021
PredecessorNicholas Anthony DiMarzio
Orders
OrdinationMay 27, 1989
by John R. McGann
ConsecrationJuly 25, 2012
by William Francis Murphy
Charles J. Chaput
Paul Henry Walsh
Personal details
Born (1962-06-07) June 7, 1962 (age 62)
Bronx, New York
Previous post(s)
Alma materSt. John's University
Seminary of the Immaculate Conception
MottoThy will be done
Styles of
Robert John Brennan
Reference style
Spoken styleYour Excellency
Religious styleBishop

Robert John Brennan (born June 7, 1962) is an American prelate of the Catholic Church who has served as bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn in New York City since 2021. Previously he served as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre in New York from 2012 to 2019, and as bishop of the Diocese of Columbus in Ohio from 2019 to 2021.

Biography[edit]

Early life[edit]

Robert J. Brennan was born on June 7, 1962, to Robert and Patricia Brennan in the Bronx, New York. He has two brothers and two sisters. His maternal grandfather was an immigrant from Ireland. Robert Brennan earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics from St. John's University in Queens.[1]

Brennan was raised in Lindenhurst, New York. He went to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Lindenhurst and then attended St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in West Islip, New York. After finishing high school, Brennan entered St. John’s University in Queens, New York, where he received a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and computer science.[1]

Having decided to become a priest, Brennan enrolled at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, New York, where he was awarded a Master of Divinity degree.[1]

Priesthood[edit]

Brennan was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Rockville Centre at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre on May 27, 1989, by Bishop John R. McGann.[2] Brennan's first pastoral assignment was at St. Patrick Parish in Smithtown, New York.[1]

In 1994, McGann appointed Brennan as his priest-secretary. He continued in this role for Bishops James McHugh and William F. Murphy, while also providing pastoral service at St. Agnes Cathedral Parish. Brennan left this position in 2002 to become vicar general and moderator of the curia. In 2010, he was named pastor of St. Mary's Parish in Long Beach, New York.[1]

Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre[edit]

Coat of arms of Bishop Brennan as auxiliary bishop of Rockville Centre

Brennan was appointed titular bishop of Erdonia and auxiliary bishop of Rockville Centre on June 8, 2012, by Pope Benedict XVI. He received his episcopal consecration at St. Agnes Cathedral on July 25, 2012, from Bishop Murphy, with Archbishop Charles J. Chaput and Auxiliary Bishop Paul Henry Walsh acting as co-consecrators.[3][2]

Bishop of Columbus[edit]

Coat of arms of Bishop Brennan as bishop of Columbus

Pope Francis appointed Brennan as bishop of Columbus on January 31, 2019.[4][5] He was installed there on March 29, 2019.[6] In August 2019, Brennan initiated with the Vatican the elevation of Saint Mary of the Assumption Church in Lancaster, Ohio, to the rank of a minor basilica.[7]

In December 2020, Brennan announced the "Real Presence Real Future" strategic planning initiative for the diocese. He described it as "increasing the presence of Christ throughout its 23 counties over the next three years and upholding the Faith for future generations."[8] The initiative involved grouping some parishes and closing others to deal with the shortage of priests in the diocese. Diocesan officials termed the initiative a hallmark of Brennan's tenure as bishop in Columbus.[9]

In December 2020, Brennan gave his support to the cause of racial justice after the shooting of Casey Goodson by police in Columbus on December 4, 2020.[10]

Bishop of Brooklyn[edit]

On September 29, 2021, Francis accepted the resignation of Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn and named Brennan to succeed him.[11] Brennan was installed by Cardinal Timothy Dolan on November 30, 2021, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Brooklyn.[12] Brennan's motto, "Thy Will Be Done", a passage from the Lord's Prayer, is engraved upon the headstone of his grandfather, and was on a prayer card that he kept until his death.[13]

In March 2022, the Vatican commissioned an investigation into Auxiliary Bishop Raymond Chappetto of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. He was accused of withholding a memo concerning possible sexual abuse by a diocesan priest.[14] The Vatican is conducting the Chappetto inquiry under the motu proprio Vos estis lux mundi.[citation needed]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e "Most Rev. Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn". Diocese of Brooklyn. 2021-12-01. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  2. ^ a b "Bishop Robert John Brennan [Catholic-Hierarchy]". www.catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  3. ^ Rattner, Judy (August 1, 2012). "Two priests become auxiliary bishops in St. Agnes ordination". Long Island Herald. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
  4. ^ "Resignations and Appointments, 31.01.2019" (Press release). Holy See Press Office. January 31, 2019. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  5. ^ "Pope names Long Island auxiliary as bishop of Columbus". Catholic News. January 31, 2019. Archived from the original on February 1, 2019. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
  6. ^ Orozco, Jackie (March 29, 2019). "New York Bishop officially installed as 12th Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus". WSYX. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
  7. ^ Bean, Doug (August 14, 2022). "Lancaster St. Mary of the Assumption designated a minor basilica". The Catholic Times. Retrieved 2022-08-18.
  8. ^ "Diocese of Columbus announces "Real Presence, Real Future" Strategic Initiative to Plot Future | Real Presence, Real Future". Retrieved 2022-04-24.
  9. ^ King, Danae (12 October 2021). "'Hallmark' of his time as bishop, Brennan hopes diocese reorientation continues without him". The Columbus Dispatch. Archived from the original on 28 April 2022. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  10. ^ King, Danae. "Columbus' Catholic bishop, Robert J. Brennan, is outspoken on race, engages with fellow faith leaders". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved 2022-04-28.
  11. ^ "Resignations and Appointments, 29.09.2021" (Press release). Holy See Press Office. September 29, 2021. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
  12. ^ "Bishop Brennan installed as leader of the Brooklyn Diocese". www.ny1.com. Retrieved 2022-04-28.
  13. ^ Brennan, The Most Rev Robert. "Column: Bishop Robert Brennan and the meaning behind his motto, 'Thy will be done'". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved 2022-04-28.
  14. ^ Pillar, The (10 March 2022). "Brooklyn aux bishop under Vatican investigation, whistleblower resigns". www.pillarcatholic.com. Retrieved 2022-04-28.

External links[edit]

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Catholic Church titles
Preceded by Roman Catholic Titular See of Erdonia
2012–2019 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
–
 Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre
2012–2019 		Succeeded by
–
Preceded by Bishop of Columbus
2019–2021 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Bishop of Brooklyn
2021–present 		Succeeded by
Incumbent
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