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Inherited continuity
Living · United States · Bishop
John S. Bonnici
Bishop of Rochester
Bishop
1965
1991
Ordained
2022
Consecrated Bishop
Rochester
Diocese
United States
Country
The Life
John S. Bonnici was born on February 17, 1965. Ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of New York in 1991, he became an auxiliary bishop of New York in 2022.
He was appointed Bishop of Rochester on January 7, 2026, the day Bp. Matano's retirement took effect, and installed on March 19, 2026.
Major Works & Initiatives
Bishop of Rochester (2026- )
A New York priest and auxiliary bishop (2022), appointed to Rochester on 7 January 2026 and installed on 19 March 2026, succeeding Bp. Matano.
In His Own Words
These four spiritual guideposts have remained with me throughout my life. They are simple, yet profound,
Installation homily as 10th Bishop of Rochester, Sacred Heart Cathedral, March 19, 2026, on his 'four Ls' - listen, learn, love, live - which he drew from St Joseph, whose feast fell on the day; Mike Latona, Catholic CourierDespite all these obstacles, Christ-centered living is truly possible,
Installation homily, March 19, 2026, on living the faith in a 'very noisy world' of polarization and misinformation; Catholic CourierMy heart is filled with love and gratitude. Each and every one of you is a precious gift.
To the congregation at his installation Mass, March 19, 2026; Catholic CourierYou are definitely a hard act to follow,
To Bishop Salvatore Matano, his predecessor of twelve years, at the installation Mass, March 19, 2026; Catholic CourierThe Old Mass, See by See
Rochester2026-03-19 – presentNo act of his own
What he inheritedBp. Matano's accommodating framework: authorization on request under his 16 July 2021 memorandum, the old Mass continuing in the diocese's parishes. The scorecard records Matano's stance as having held through the 2026 succession; no act of Bonnici's own has changed it.
Since the SSPX decree of 2 July 2026: No statement recorded as of 2026-10-22.
Domus Dei’s Verdict
The Bishop & the Mass of Ages
He succeeded Bp. Matano at Rochester in March 2026; Matano's accommodating framework - authorization on request, the old Mass continuing - held through the succession.
References & Further Reading
1.
John Samuel Bonnici - Catholic-HierarchyEpiscopal dates.
Portrait: Own work / Wikimedia Commons