Bishop David Arias, O.A.R., D.D., auxiliary bishop emeritus of the Archdiocese of Newark, died May 9 at age 89.
Upon hearing the news of Bishop Arias’ passing, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., recalled Bishop Arias as a very good man and bishop. Bishop O’Connell called upon the faithful in the Diocese of Trenton to pray for the eternal rest of Bishop Arias and for the Archdiocese of Newark as they mourn his death.
Of Bishop Arias, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, said, “Today this local Church of Newark mourns a remarkable and trusted shepherd who guided the faithful wisely, well and with great pastoral care. When he was ordained a bishop in 1983, he chose a motto that reflected his love for and dedication to the people of this church: ‘Pascere Populum Suum’ – ‘to shepherd his people.’”
Bishop Arias entered the Order of Augustinian Recollects in 1946. He was ordained a priest in 1952 and ordained as an auxiliary bishop of Newark in 1983. He retired as auxiliary bishop in 2004.
Bishop Arias served the Archdiocese of Newark in numerous positions, including as regional bishop of Hudson County, pastor of St. Joseph of the Palisades Parish, West New York, and episcopal vicar of Hispanic Affairs in Newark. During his tenure as vicar of Hispanic Affairs, Bishop Arias focused on the pastoral care of the growing Hispanic population throughout the region, representing their interests and making all aware of the reality of the Hispanics in the various parishes throughout the archdiocese. This was the focus of his sociological and pastoral study called “Presencia Nueva or New Presence,” which contributed to better service to the Hispanic community.
Bishop Arias’ body will be received May 15 at 2 p.m. in St. Joseph of the Palisades Church, West New York, and will lie in repose until the celebration of the Mass of Jesus Christ the High Priest at 7 p.m.
The following day, May 16 at 10 a.m., Bishop Arias’ body will be received in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, and will lie in repose until 1:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Following the Mass, Bishop Arias will be entombed in the basilica’s crypt.