Congratulations, Bishop Elias!

On Tuesday, June 30, Abbot Elias was ordained a bishop by Cardinal Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, during a mass celebrated at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newark. Bishop Elias will serve as an auxiliary bishop, assisting in the territory of Union County. Abbot Richard, Fr. Edward Seton, Fr. Demetrius, Br. William, and Br. Finnbar attended the ordination.

Bishop Elias shared about his journey in a recent article in the Advocate, the newspaper for the Archdiocese of Newark. From his childhood in Brooklyn, he received a foundation for his faith from his “saints” of parents. Following a period of discernment influenced by the writings of Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk from the mid-20 ^th century, and the Benedictine community at St. Paul’s Abbey in Newton, NJ, he entered the community at St. Mary’s Abbey. He served Delbarton School for more than 30 years before serving the Benedictine order internationally, both as Prior at San Anselmo in Rome and Abbot President of the American Cassinese Congregation. While attending a meeting of American Abbots as part of his role as Abbot President, Abbot Elias received the call letting him know the Holy Father had appointed him bishop. His episcopal motto— Nothing is impossible with God—reflects the impact the Benedictines have had on his life, “They have formed me well and gave me opportunities, none of which I sought. Everything I was asked to do, everything that was placed on my shoulders, I was able to do it by God’s grace. Not by my accomplishments, my gifts, nor by my talents but God’s grace.” For more, including a description of Bishop Elias’s coat of arms and pictures from throughout his life, please follow this link to read the full article.

 Monday night, Fr. Hilary, Fr. Michael, and Br. Kieran joined Bishop Elias for a special Evening Prayer service the night before, also at the cathedral.

Bishop Elias was ordained alongside Michael Saporito, Regional Bishop for Bergen County, and Gregory Studerus, Regional Bishop for Hudson County.
Please join Abbot Richard and the monks of St. Mary’s in praying for Bishop Elias! Ad multos annos!