The installation of Most Reverend Michael Arsenio Saporito as the sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen.

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV appointed Most Reverend Michael A. Saporito, Auxiliary Bishop of Newark, as the Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen. The appointment was publicized in Washington, D.C. on September 15, 2026, by Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

The Diocese of Metuchen was established in 1981 by Saint Pope John Paul II, with Saint Francis of Assisi Cathedral in Metuchen as its mother church. The people of the Diocese of Metuchen were over- joyed to welcome the Most Reverend Michael Arsenio Saporito as their sixth Bishop during an installation Mass held on October 22, 2026, the feast day of St. John Paul II, in The Church of the Sacred Heart, South Plainfield. Representatives from parish- es, schools, religious, lay and civil organizations were joined by clergy and civil dignitaries from throughout the state and beyond to witness the newest shepherd of the central New Jersey diocese.

Please click here to read the article by Christina Leslie of The Catholic Spirit, NJ.

Bishop James F. Checchio, the previous bishop of Metuchen, was installed as coadjutor of the Archdiocese of New Orleans on November 18, 2025. He was named Archbishop of New Orleans on February 11, 2026. On May 3, 2016, the Feast of Saints Phillip and James, Bishop-elect James F. Checchio was ordained and installed as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen.

I was one of those fortunate people who were invited to attend this wonderful event. It was an honor to attend the Installation Mass for Bishop Michael Saporito.

Some pictures of the event. Courtesy The Catholic Spirit, Facebook and some I took.