September 16, 2009

Public invited to witness conferral of papal honors on new monsignors

By Julie Filby

The newest monsignors of the Denver Archdiocese will be recognized next month at a liturgy of Evening Prayer with Conferral of Papal Honors at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap. will preside at the ceremony, which is set for set 7 p.m. Oct. 13.

Those elevated to the rank of monsignor last June by Pope Benedict XVI include Msgr. Robert Amundsen, pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish in Lafayette; Msgr. David Croak, pastor at Shrine of St. Anne Parish in Arvada, Msgr. Jorge De los Santos, vicar for Hispanic ministry; Msgr. Michael Glenn, rector of St. John Vianney Theological Seminary; Msgr. Robert Kinkel, pastor at St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Edwards and St. Mary Parish in Eagle; Msgr. Kenneth Leone, pastor of Risen Christ Parish in Denver; Msgr. Peter Quang Nguyen, pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Denver; and Msgr. Bernard Schmitz, pastor at Mother of God Parish in Denver and vicar for clergy.

There are currently 21 monsignors in the Denver Archdiocese. No diocese may have more than 10 percent of its active priests granted the honor of monsignor.

“Prior to about six years ago, bishops were free to petition for as many monsignors for their diocese as they wished,” according to Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley, who served 10 years at the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops. “Things tightened up around 2002 and now it has become more restricted.”

At the upcoming service, evening prayers from the Liturgy of the Hours will be prayed and the papal document—issued by the Vatican’s Secretariat of State—conferring the honor, will be read. This document, or diploma, designates the new title and rank and recognizes the monsignors’ service to the Church.

Following the reading of the diploma, each monsignor will be presented with a framed copy of the document, usually in Latin, complete with the signature of Pope Benedict XVI and the papal seal.

There are three rankings of monsignor: Chaplain to His Holiness, Honorary Prelate of His Holiness and Apostolic Protonary.

The newly made monsignors were given the rank of Chaplain to His Holiness. The minimum qualifications for this appointment, set by the Secretariat of State, are 35 years of age and 10 years of priesthood.

“Generally, with the exception of those approaching retirement, the Holy See prefers that men begin as Chaplains to His Holiness,” said Bishop Conley. “Then after five years, they can be ‘promoted’ to Prelate of Honor.”

Apostolic Protonotary is the highest rank of monsignor.

Monsignors are entitled to wear distinctive vesture, indicating they are members of the papal household and thus listed on the Annuario Pontificio (the papal yearbook). The vesture of Chaplain of His Holiness is a purple trimmed black cassock with purple sash (fascia) and other ornaments (purple buttons, sash loops) (No. 1209 Ceremonial of Bishops).

According to John Miller, associate director of liturgy for the archdiocese, some of the new monsignors have begun wearing the new vestments. They may be worn at liturgical events and solemn non-liturgical events, such as a graduation.
“Some may choose to wear them at every Mass,” he said. “While others may wear them on holidays, like Christmas and Easter, and other special occasions.”

The ceremony honoring the new monsignors is open to the public—parishioners, brother priests, deacons, religious, family members and friends are invited. The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is located at 1530 Logan St. A reception will follow in the nearby Knights of Columbus Hall, located at 1555 Grant St.

Conferral of Papal Honors

 What: Evening Prayer with Conferral of Papal Honors
Honoring: New monsignors
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 13
Where: Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 1530 Logan St.
Reception: Knights of Columbus Hall, 1555 Grant St.
Information: Call 303-715-3156 or e-mail john.miller@archden.org