Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Brooklyn
Titular Bishop of Coeliana, Algeria
Pastor Emeritus, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs R.C. Church

Bishop Sanchez was born November 26, 1946, in Brooklyn. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Bonaventure’s University, a Master of Arts from the University of Notre Dame, and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

He was ordained on December 17, 1971, at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. His priestly assignments have included Our Lady of Mercy in Forest Hills (1972-75), St. Michael in Flushing (1975- 87), and St. Sebastian in Woodside (1987-91). He served as pastor at St. Agatha, Brooklyn (1991- 2001), and Our Lady of Mount Carmel (2001-08), while also serving as administrator of St. Margaret Mary in Long Island City. He was named Vicar for Queens North in June 2008 and served this area until January 2013.

Then-Father Sanchez was named a Prelate of Honor by Blessed John Paul II in 1997.

He became pastor of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish on June 30, 2012, just weeks before his Episcopal ordination on July 11, 2012, as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Bishop Sanchez served as an auxiliary bishop until his retirement was accepted by Pope Francis in November 2021. He served as pastor of OLQM until June 17, 2023, and the naming of Very Rev. Francis J. Passenant, V. F., as the seventh pastor of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church.

Bishop Sanchez speaks English and Spanish and currently resides at OLQM as pastor emeritus.

The Meaning of Bishop Sanchez’s Coat of Arms [read more]