What is a Monsignor? How do priests become a Monsignor instead of a Father?
The title “Monsignor” is an honorary title given to a priest. The word “Monsignor” is derived from the Italian word for “my lord”. It is actually not as strange as it may sound since we often use formal titles for each other such as “Mister” (abbreviated as “Mr.”) which is derived from “Master”. In a similar way we often address a bishop as “Your Excellency”, a cardinal as “Your Eminence”, and the Pope as “Your Holiness”. There are a whole variety of even stranger titles that were used in the past for the nobility and other people in high positions; my particular favorite is “Your Gravity”.
So, what does the title “Monsignor” amount to? A Monsignor is a priest just as any other “Father” is a priest—there is no difference. The title simply acknowledges that this priest has a position of respect such as the Vicar General (a priest who assists and represents the Bishop in certain matters) or has given a number of years of faithful and esteemed service to the Church. It is for both of these reasons that our pastor, Msgr. Charles McGlinn, was given the title “Monsignor”. A priest is given the honor by the Pope at the recommendation of the priest’s bishop. No priest seeks out or applies for this title, it is given to them as an honor (sometimes even against their wishes). As far as I know the only privilege given to a monsignor is that he can wear a special cassock (robe-like clerical attire). You’ll have to ask your local Monsignor if you want to know more!
-Fr. Greg
