The Diocese of Brooklyn Names New Chancellor

Bishop Robert Brennan announced the appointment of Very Reverend Peter Purpura, pastor of Our Lady of Hope in Middle Village, Queens, as the next chancellor for the Diocese of Brooklyn, effective January 30, 2026. He will replace outgoing chancellor Reverend Monsignor Steven Aguggia, who has served in the role since 2020.

“I am very grateful to Monsignor Aguggia who has remained as chancellor and stayed with me since I was installed as bishop in 2021, much past a normal transition period. Throughout this time, I know the effort he has put into this demanding role while taking good care of the faithful and the parish of St. Pancras,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

“Father Peter Purpura has done a fantastic job working with me as a vicar, showing himself to be talented, dedicated, and engaged with the priests in the diocese. His broad background in canon law, and his pastoral heart is the perfect combination to build upon what Monsignor Aguggia has already accomplished,” continued Bishop Brennan.

The role of the chancellor is to oversee the recording of ecclesiastical acts, decrees, and dispensations and to manage diocesan records and archives. The chancellor may also advise the diocesan bishop on various matters.

Father Purpura currently serves as the Regional Episcopal Vicar for Queens West, since 2023, and as pastor at Our Lady of Hope in Middle Village, since 2019. He will remain pastor at the parish until June 30, 2026. Father Purpura has served as Vice Chancellor from 2016-2023, and Rector at St James Cathedral Basilica from 2015-2019. Before that he served numerous parishes in Brooklyn and Queens as parochial vicar.

“I thank Bishop Brennan for his confidence in entrusting to me the important work of the Chancellor. I hope that I can continue the great work of my predecessor,” said Father Purpura. Ordained to the Priesthood on June 30, 2007, Father Purpura holds a Bachelor of Arts (2003) in Philosophy from St. John’s University, Bachelor of Sacred Theology (2006) from the Pontifical Gregorian University (Rome, Italy), a Licentiate in Canon Law (2009) from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Rome, Italy), where he later completed three years of Doctoral Studies in Canon Law (2012-2015).

Father Purpura also serves as Chaplain for the New York City Fire Department, the Bishop Thomas V. Daily Council 17000 Knights of Columbus, and as Queensboro Unico National Chaplain.

Monsignor Aguggia, Pastor of St. Pancras in Glendale, Queens, has served in diocesan curial positions for 25 years, serving as Vice-Chancellor, Judicial Vicar and Chancellor. He will continue to serve as Chancellor until the end of the month.

“I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve the diocesan curia for 25 years, seeing firsthand how our work serves the larger mission of the Church. It has been a privilege to support three bishops, Bishops Brennan, Nicholas DiMarzio, and Thomas Daily as well as our priests, deacons, religious, and faithful in this mission. I look forward to seeing Father Purpura bring new energy and perspective to this important work,” said Monsignor Aguggia.

The Diocese of Brooklyn serves 1.3 million Catholics in Brooklyn and Queens, with 174 parishes and 63 elementary school academies.