Bishop Emeritus Dominic A. Marconi, the longest-serving auxiliary bishop in the history of the Archdiocese of Newark, celebrated his 99th birthday on March 13 with family, friends and clergy from across New Jersey.
Bishop Marconi - who also marks 50 years as an auxiliary bishop in 2026 - greeted well-wishers who lined up to share memories and take photos with him. Two sisters from Ecuador, Aida Gabriella and Aida Lionela, performed Schubert’s “Die Nebensonnen.” Guests later joined in singing the hymn “Salve Regina” in gratitude for his many years of service. Cake and refreshments followed.
Reflecting on his life in an interview with Jersey Catholic, Bishop Marconi said he first felt called to the priesthood while serving as an altar boy. Decades later, he said celebrating Mass is still the greatest joy of his ministry, describing it as a “wonderful privilege.”
Asked for words of wisdom, he offered simple advice for those facing challenges: “Just take one day at a time.”
A Life in the Church
Born in Newark on March 13, 1927, to Italian immigrant parents, Bishop Marconi attended St. Joseph Elementary School in Newark and Seton Hall Preparatory School in South Orange. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University in South Orange and a licentiate in theology from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., he was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Newark on May 30, 1953.
Bishop Marconi began his ministry as an associate pastor at St. Anthony Church in Union City. In 1966, he was appointed associate director of the archdiocesan Family Life Apostolate and became its director in 1970. Five years later, he was named co-director of the Division for Services to the Elderly at Associated Catholic Charities. He also served as chaplain of the St. Joseph Home for the Blind in Jersey City from 1966 until 1976.
On June 25, 1976, Bishop Marconi was ordained an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark. In this role, he served as regional bishop for Union County while sitting on numerous boards of Catholic institutions and several committees for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
He retired in 2002 but remained active for many years, celebrating Confirmations, visiting religious communities and continuing to share his faith.
Tributes from His Brother Bishops
Among those gathered to celebrate Bishop Marconi’s birthday were five auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of Newark: Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B.; Bishop Manuel A. Cruz; Bishop Michael A. Saporito; Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau; and Bishop Emeritus Gregory J. Studerus. Each offered words of gratitude for their brother bishop, praising in particular his kindness and humility:
Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B.
“Bishop Marconi would often visit the monastery, spend holidays with us, holy days, and festive meals. He was always a brother at our table. When I was named auxiliary bishop and Bishop Marconi found out I was going to be the regional bishop for Union County—which he had been for many years—he immediately came to the Abbey on two occasions to tell me everything I needed to know about Union County, its parishes and its schools. His mind was as sharp then as it is today, and we’re so grateful for his ministry, his support of our priests and his zeal for the Gospel.”
Bishop Manuel A. Cruz
“When I came here from Cuba in 1966, Father Marconi, before becoming a bishop, used to come to St. Augustine’s in Union City to go over catechetical programs with us. In the mid-1970s, when he was ordained a bishop, he became a great example of a man of service with a deep passion for the Church. Bishop Marconi is also a man of prayer who has brought joy to the Church of Newark.”
Bishop Michael A. Saporito
“Bishop Marconi has always been excited about presiding at the Sacrament of Confirmation and connecting with young people. He absolutely loves that. It’s a great honor to be with him to celebrate an unbelievable birthday, but also to give thanks for the gift of his priesthood and episcopal service. We are profoundly grateful to have him here with us.”
Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau
“I’ve known Bishop Marconi since 2007, when I moved to Linden, and his residence was at my parish, St. Elizabeth of Hungary. Now, it is amazing to celebrate 99 years with him. It’s also beautiful to see that we have a brother who has served as a priest for more than seven decades, and as a bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark for 50 years. That is very inspiring.”
Bishop Gregory J. Studerus
“I remember Bishop Marconi for his great devotion to prayer, particularly to the ‘Centering Prayer’ and the great number of people in the Archdiocese that he taught that to. It was a wonderful blessing for the Archdiocese… And, of course, that was just one of his many wonderful works for the Church here.”
About the Archdiocese of Newark
The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics across northern New Jersey’s Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties. Led by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, the Archdiocese includes 211 parishes, 64 Catholic schools, the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, St. Andrew’s Hall College Seminary, Redemptoris Mater Seminary and numerous missions and ministries dedicated to faith, education and social service. For more information, visit www.rcan.org.
