Bishop Elias Lorenzo

Bishop Elias Lorenzo was born in Brooklyn in October 1960. He spent his early years in a neighborhood where parish life and regular schooling played a meaningful role in shaping his character. As a child, he attended a local Catholic elementary school that instilled in him a steady academic habit and daily prayer, setting the tone for his later vocation. Through these early experiences, he learned that faith and education work together, and he began to understand the value of approaching life with patience, discipline, and a willingness to learn. Bishop Elias continued his formation by studying philosophy at a small liberal arts college, where he explored questions that later supported his monastic and pastoral life. After completing his undergraduate degree, he entered a Benedictine community, embracing its rhythm of prayer, work, and study. In time, he professed vows that shaped his daily responsibilities, and he was later ordained a priest. These early commitments helped him recognize how service, prayer, and ongoing learning could guide his ministry. Bishop Lorenzo began his professional service in education at a secondary school operated by his monastic community. As a teacher, he guided students in their studies while also supporting spiritual development through retreats and service programs. He later assisted with school leadership, working closely with those responsible for long-term planning and governance. Even as his responsibilities expanded within the community, he continued to teach because it kept him connected to students' daily experiences and helped him understand the needs of those entrusted to his care. Bishop Elias R Lorenzo strengthened his pastoral skills by pursuing advanced studies in liturgical theology, counseling psychology, and canon law. These programs deepened his understanding of how worship forms communities, how people face personal challenges, and how strong structures support responsible leadership.