Monsignor Thomas Donato, 63, and Monsignor John Flesey, 61, both work as spiritual directors at Immaculate Conception Seminary, in South Orange, in addition to other duties.
The Pope also accepted the resignations of Bishop David Arias, auxiliary of Newark since 1983, and Bishop Charles McDonnell, auxiliary since 1994. In announcing the resignations, the archdiocese cited the mandatory retirement age of 75 for bishops under Church law.
Thomas Donato was born in Jersey City. He attended Immaculate Conception Seminary and was ordained a priest for Newark in May 1965.
John Flesey was also born in Jersey City. He studied at Immaculate Conception Seminary, the Gregorian University and the University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome, where he earned a doctorate in spiritual theology. He was ordained a priest for Newark in May 1969.
