Lifestyles of the Newark archbishops stand in stark contrast

The $500,000 expansion of Newark Archbishop John J. Myers already substantial rural retirement house has drawn the attention of Catholics across the region as much for its lavish details as for its timing, as Myers asks parishioners to contribute to his annual appeal and to a $100 million capital fundraising drive.

Almost no notice has been paid to the living quarters of the Most Rev. Bernard Hebda, whom Pope Francis named last year as Myers prime assistant and likely successor in what many Catholic Church observers say was the new popes most significant early appointment. Hebda was seen as a prelate who personified the popes desire for a humbler clergy that shuns the ostentation that has sometimes marked the church hierarchy.

Hebda lives in a dormitory room on the campus of Seton Hall University. The contrast between the two residences may serve as a marker in a church at a crossroads.

In all its glory, Hebdas quarters in Xavier Hall includes a living room, a bedroom and a study, he said in a recent interview.

I thought it would be a good idea to live close to the seminary give me a chance to meet future priests. Also, I enjoy being around college students, said Hebda, who did not comment directly about the expansion of Myers retirement home.

Seton Hall students said theyve seen plenty of Hebda around campus watching the seminarian basketball team at practice and attending nightly prayer circles in his dorm.

Alex Pierlott, 22, a senior from Camden County, said she joined about a dozen other students after a recent Saturday Mass to have lunch with Hebda and discuss the campus ministry.

Jessica Kalto, 18, a freshman diplomacy major from New York City, said she hoped Myers had a good reason to spend as much as $500,000 on his own retirement residence in the woods of Hunterdon County. And contrasting the archbishop and Hebda, who was appointed coadjutor archbishop of Newark last year, she said, At least not all our bishops are like that.

Finances criticized

The cash-strapped archdiocese, which has shut 78 Catholic schools since 2000, is financing the 3,000-square-foot addition to Myers house, which will include new amenities like an indoor exercise pool, three fireplaces and a fifth bedroom. Myers has faced a flurry of criticism in the wake of media reports about the upscale dwelling.

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Lifestyles of the Newark archbishops stand in stark contrast