Bishop Robert Brom, long time servant leader

Diocese of San Diego announced that longtime San Diego Catholic Bishop Robert Brom died Monday, May 9, at 83.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported on Tuesday, May 10, that Brom was found dead in his home, and the cause of death wasn’t announced, according to his family. They added that the Bishop guided the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego through a sex-abuse scandal.

In a press conference, San Diego Bishop Robert McElroy stated that for 23 years, Bishop Brom was a shepherd teacher and servant leader of the Catholic Community in San Diego and Imperial Counties. He added that Brom has an inborn talent for teaching and constantly works to bring the ecclesiology of the second Vatican council to the center of the Diocese of San Diego.

In 2012, Brom mentioned in the Union-Tribune that he first thought of becoming a priest when he was young. Before graduating high school, he dedicated himself to the career path. He added that he questioned himself about how he could use his God-given gifts and talents to contribute to individuals and the world.

“We have to go beyond our self-interest to become real servants of the people. All of us in the leadership, whether in the church or the public sector.” Brom stated.

They announced that the funeral is scheduled for 11 a.am on May 17 at Saint Therese of Carmel Church in Del Mar Heights.

Getting to Know Bishop

The same news report noted that Brom was born on Sept. 18, 1938, in Arcadia, Wisconsin. He is the second of five siblings. After his father got work at Sears, his family relocated to Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

Mary Fellenz, his older sister, said Brom was a ringleader in an interview. He was fun to be with, and they loved him. She added that her brother loves singing and was a great storyteller. She also revealed that the late Bishop was a prom king in Rice Lake.

Besides, the report stated that the family was devoted to their religion. Also, the charismatic Bishop fell in love with the church from a very young age.

Another news report for the KPBS website mentioned that Pope John Paul II appointed Brom to be a coadjutor bishop of San Diego on April 22, 1989. He assisted Bishop Leo Maher before becoming the bishop of San Diego on July 10, 1990. The report added that on his 75th birthday, he resigned to follow the Catholic bishop's rules to step down when they reached this age.

On the other hand, they also highlighted that the bishop was accountable for making Mater Dei Catholic High School in Chula Vista. The said school replaced Marian Catholic High School in Imperial Beach and Cathedral Catholic High School in Carmel Valley, California.

Brom vs. Priest Sex Abuse

The same website noted that Brom approved the second-highest settlement in America for priest sex abuse cases in 2007. A total of $198.1 million for 144 victims, the news revealed. The diocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization, an enormous diocese in the country to file for such protection.