Brooklyn-born Father Elias Lorenzo first joined the Roman Catholic's Order of Saint Benedict approximately three decades ago as a monk of St. Mary’s Abbey in Morristown, New Jersey. Now an ordained priest, he currently serves as prior of the Primatial Abbey, home of the Order of Saint Benedict, located at the Church of Sant’Anselmo on Aventine Hill in Rome. Additionally, Father Elias Lorenzo serves on the International Commission for Benedictine Education, the organization responsible for supporting and guiding Benedictine schools and educational institutions around the world.
Father Elias Lorenzo came to Rome after an accomplished career serving the Order in North New Jersey. It was there that he worked as prior of St. Mary’s Abbey for seven years and rector of Abbey Church for nearly 15 years. While based in Morristown, he also taught and administrated at the affiliated Delbarton School. His various roles at this leading college preparatory program included vice president of the school, chairman of the religious studies division, and director of campus ministry. A highly educated individual, Lorenzo possesses multiple degrees, including a licentiate in canon law from The Catholic University of America and a master of arts in education in counseling psychology from Seton Hall University.