OLD CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES
OLD CATHOLIC CONFEDERATION
In Memoriam
His Grace, The Most Rev. Peter Paul Brennan, D.D.
His Grace, The Most Rev. Peter P. Brennan, D,D, formerly Titular Archbishop of Cork and Bishop Emeritus of New York. In 2013, upon his Election as Bishop of New York, the Synod of Bishop granted him the titular See of Cork with title of Archbishop ad personam. Archbishop Brennan served as Chair of the Bishops' Committee on Ecumenism. Archbishop Brennan was ordained a deacon and a priest in 1972 by Archbishop Richard Arthur Marchenna for the North America Old Roman Catholic Church, and consecrated a bishop in 1978; and in 2006, he was consecrated a bishop "sub conditione" by His Excellency, The Most Rev. Emmanuel Milingo, then Roman Archbishop Emeritus of Lusaka, Zambia. A revered and distinguished Churchman, Archbishop Brennan was known internationally as an advocate for the married priesthood and for his decades of work for ecumenism and Christian unity. He was President and Prelate of the international Catholic Prelature of Ss. Peter and Paul, a movement in support of married priests founded by Archbishop Milingo. Archbishop Brennan was also the Primate of the Order of Corporate Reunion, and his graciously extended his patronage and support to many Christian organizations seeking his Episcopal protection and guidance. The Archbishop was an international advisor to bishops and other Church leaders around the world, and he was actively involved in countless ministries involving ecumenism and social justice.
A former friar of the Franciscans of the Atonement, the Archbishop held several degrees including an A.B. in philosophy from St. Pius X Seminary, an M.A. in Theology from St. John's University and an M.A. in Education from Manhattan College. The Archbishop also held several honorary degrees, including the Doctor Divinitatis degree, honoris causa, from the Collegium Augustinianum Graduate School of Philosophy and Theology, the university and seminary affiliated with the Old Catholic Confederation.
An accomplished educator, and former English Department Chairman, Archbishop Brennan served in the New York City High School system for thirty-five years as a teacher and administrator. In his professional capacity as an educator, he was also certified by the New York School System as a District School Superintendent, as an Assistant Principal at the Junior High School and High School level and as a Principal at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels.
Married to his late wife, Mrs. Marie Kirby, for forty years, Archbishop Brennan and his wife had three adult children and six grandchildren. Until his falling asleep in the Lord on August 1, 2016, Archbishop Peter (as he was known) resided with his beloved champion Irish setters in West Hempstead section of Long Island, New York. May he rest in peace and his memory be eternal!
