Lindy Native & OLPH Alum Named Auxiliary Bishop

Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Brennan, 50, a Lindenhurst native, is one of two priests who've been been appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as auxiliary bishops of the .

Rev. Msgr. Nelson J. Perez, 50, a Miami native was also named.

Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States, made the announcement public last Friday in Washington, DC, according to a press release on the Diocese's website here.

Bishop-Elect Brennan is from the Diocese of Rockville Centre, and currently serves as vicar general. Bishop-Elect Perez is from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and is the pastor of in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

The Most Reverend William Murphy, bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre will ordain the new bishops at a Mass of Episcopal Ordination to be celebrated at in Rockville Centre on July 25, the Feast of Saint James the Apostle.

As auxiliary bishops Brennan and Perez will join Auxiliary Bishop John C. Dunne, episcopal vicar of the central vicariate and Bishop Paul H. Walsh, episcopal vicar of the western vicariate in assisting Bishop Murphy to serve the sacramental, spiritual and pastoral needs of the 1.4 million Catholics who reside in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

“I wish to express my fervent thanks to the Holy Father for responding so quickly to my request for two auxiliary bishops to help me pastor the fifth largest diocese in our nation,” said Bishop William Murphy in the press release.

“God has blessed this Diocese with good and holy priests and now two new auxiliary bishops, one a native son, [and] the second, a Cuban American who will bring his many gifts and his Latino language, culture and heritage to enrich this wonderful Diocese,” he continued.

The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan was born on June 7, 1962, in the Bronx, but raised in Lindenhurst, where he attended . He continued his education at in West Islip.

He graduated from Saint John’s University with a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science, then studied for the priesthood at in Huntington, where he earned a Master’s of Divinity degree.

Brennan was ordained on May 27, 1989, by Bishop John McGann at in Rockville Centre. His priestly assignments include associate pastor at parish in Smithtown, 1989 to 1994, and secretary to the bishop, 1994 to 2002.

In 2002 Bishop-Elect Brennan was named vicar general and moderator of the Curia. In 2010 he was appointed pastor of parish in Long Beach. He was also named a prelate of honor by Blessed John Paul II in 1996. He speaks English and Spanish.

“I'm honored and humbled that the Holy Father extended this call to serve the Lord in a new way,” said Bishop-Elect Brennan in the press release. “I've learned so much from Bishop Murphy, and I can never thank him enough for his kindness to me.”

The Most Reverend Nelson Perez was born in Miami, Florida, on June 16, 1961, and studied at Montclair State College. He prepared for priesthood at Saint Charles Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was ordained a priest on May 20, 1989.

Bishop-Elect Perez is currently the pastor of , West Chester, Pennsylvania and has served in various positions within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

“I thank God that I begin this new journey of my service to the Church along with you,” said Bishop-Elect Perez in the press release.