A sense of jubilation filled the air as hundreds gathered for vespers at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington Nov. 24.
The evening liturgy was held in thanksgiving of six diocesan priests who received the title of “monsignor” from Pope Francis this year. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge was joined by Bishop Emeritus Paul S. Loverde and Bishop Robert E. Evans, auxiliary bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Providence, in celebrating the liturgy.
Pope Francis bestowed the papal honor upon five diocesan clergy Sept. 12: Msgr. Robert C. Cilinski, pastor of Nativity Catholic Church in Burke and episcopal vicar for charitable works; Msgr. Dennis W. Kleinmann, pastor of St. Veronica Church in Chantilly; Msgr. Robert J. Rippy, diocesan judicial vicar; Msgr. Lee R. Roos, pastor of All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas; and Msgr. William P. Saunders, pastor of St. Agnes Church in Arlington and episcopal vicar for faith formation. The pope previously bestowed the title upon Msgr. Paul F. deLadurantaye, diocesan chancellor, June 25.
The title “monsignor” — also called a “chaplain to His Holiness” — is a papal honor and a form of address recognizing a priest’s valuable service to the church and his role in church governance.
The title also honors the local church that the priest serves as well as his ministry, said Bishop Burbidge in his homily. “In doing so, the priesthood of Jesus Christ is celebrated and lifted up, as well as the various ministries the monsignors have embraced throughout the years and throughout the priesthood,” he said. “I know that our new monsignors share this honor with all of you.”
Gazing out into the crowd of devoted parishioners, friends and family, Bishop Burbidge praised the six clergy. “We know them to be effective preachers of the Gospel, who reverently and joyfully celebrate the sacraments. We recognize them as loving pastors, effective teachers, talented administrators and above all, generous servants of all God’s people,” he said.
Bishop Burbidge congratulated the new monsignors before reminding the faithful that on the Feast of Christ, King of the Universe, all should remember, “Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. And throughout his life and his ministry, he demonstrated that real power is not derived by putting ourselves above other people, but instead in bowing down humbly to serve, to reach out with compassion to all God’s people without deception,” he said. “And tonight, all of us, dear friends, as we gather, are invited to renew our commitment to imitate Jesus Christ, the servant, and to proclaim to others that in our hearts, in our lives, he reigns, not sin, not the empty promises of the world.”
Following the homily, Bishop Burbidge presented each candidate and conferred a certificate of the papal honors upon each to resounding applause.
With laughs and happy tears, the faithful flocked to the new monsignors at a reception following vespers.
Msgr. Roos remembered the day he learned of the papal honor. “I was so stunned, because Bishop Burbidge told me I was the first of the ones he had told,” he said. “There was great joy.”
Msgr. Kleinmann said he, too, was surprised when he heard the news. “It’s a wonderful honor and a great privilege,” he said.
While the monsignors gratefully accept their new address, the work is only just beginning. “It just makes you more aware of your responsibilities as a priest, that you’ve got to live up to this honor,” said Msgr. Kleinmann.
