Seton Hall Alumnus Named Auxiliary Bishop of Newark

Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology and Seton Hall University proudly celebrate the appointment of the Reverend Pedro Bismarck Chau as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark. Pope Leo XIV announced the appointment on May 30, as shared by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, in Washington, D.C.

A dedicated priest of the Archdiocese of Newark, Bishop-elect Chau currently serves as rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. His new role marks a significant step in a life devoted to faith in Jesus Christ, service in his Name and community.

Born on June 28, 1967, in Managua, Nicaragua, Bishop-elect Chau brings a deep cultural and spiritual richness to his ministry, as he is also fluent in English, Spanish and American Sign Language. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master of Arts  in Professional Counseling from Seton Hall. He also earned a Master of Arts in Theology and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 24, 2008.

“Bishop-elect Chau exemplifies the mission of Seton Hall — forming servant leaders rooted in Catholic faith and committed to others, especially the poor and those in need,” said Monsignor Gerard McCarren, S.T.D., rector/dean of the Seminary.

 “His pastoral ministry spans cultures, communities and generations — and he always serves with humility and the heart of the Good Shepherd: ‘I will appoint for you shepherds after my own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently’ (Jeremiah 3:15). Immaculate Conception Seminary, with its Chapel of Christ the Good Shepherd, is very proud to call Bishop-elect Chau its own.”

Over the course of his ministry, Bishop-elect Chau has held numerous leadership roles. His assignments include parochial vicar at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church in Garfield (2008–2012), associate director of CYO and Youth and Young Adult Ministry (2012–2015), assistant director of vocations (2013–2016) and Catholic campus minister at NJIT and Rutgers-Newark (2015–2020). He simultaneously served as pastor of St. John’s Church and St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark.

From 2017 to 2020, he was a member of the Priest Personnel Board and, since 2020, Bishop-elect Chau has been rector of the Cathedral Basilica. His other ministries have included chaplaincy to the Deaf community, service on the Archdiocesan Council of Priests, teaching as an adjunct professor at the Seminary and chaplaincy to the Order of Malta in New Jersey. He also represented the Archdiocese in the national V Encuentro initiative, focused on Hispanic and Latino Catholic ministry.

Bishop-elect Chau's appointment is both a celebration of his remarkable journey and a reflection of the vibrant, diverse Church he serves.

He will be ordained a bishop at the Cathedral Basilica by the Archbishop, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, and other bishops on September 8, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Categories: Alumni, Faith and Service