Msgr. Peter HahnFor Msgr. Peter Hahn, being named a Chaplain to His Holiness with the title of Monsignor has been a grace-filled moment to speak ever more explicitly to the love, mercy and peace of Jesus Christ.
He is one of six priests in the Diocese given this title in February. From the Italian monsignore, which means “my lord,” it is one of honor in the Catholic Church and is bestowed upon priests who have served in an exemplary way.
“I was stunned and humbled and honored when Bishop [Timothy] Senior told me during our Clergy Day that I had been named a Monsignor,” said Msgr. Hahn, who has served as pastor of St. Leo the Great Parish in Rohrerstown since 2008.
“It’s a humbleness and a reminder that we’re all unworthy servants of our infinitely loving God. The more we can thank Him and praise Him and share with others His truth, His love, His joy, and His peace, the happier we all are,” he told The Witness.
A native of Lancaster and a graduate of St. Anne School and Lancaster Catholic High School, Msgr. Hahn earned a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1981 and practiced in Philadelphia and Lancaster for 14 years before discerning a vocation to the priesthood in 1995.
He was drawn to discernment by the faith-filled witness of priests throughout his life, starting with his late uncle, “Father Andy,” who would become Bishop Andrew Pataki, the third Bishop of the Ruthenian Catholic Eparchy of Passaic.
When Msgr. Hahn was in elementary school, the late Father Andre Meluskey, pastor, and the late Msgr. Thomas Smith, parochial vicar, proved to be wonderful examples and influences in his young life.
At Lancaster Catholic, he found a model of the priesthood and pastoral presence in Msgr. Edward Lavelle – who was also named a Monsignor in February. And when he began to discern a vocation to the priesthood, he found the counsel of Msgr. William Richardson. When he was a new priest, the late Father Walter Sempko was his first spiritual director.
“For me personally, being named a Monsignor immediately brought me back to reflect upon the gift of the priesthood and all of those priests who have been models for me,” Msgr. Hahn said. “The list goes on and on, thanks be to God, for us to have a model of faithful priests.”
A title granted by the pope at the recommendation of the bishop, “Monsignor” is an honorary title in the Catholic Church. Monsignori are entitled to wear distinctive vestments indicative of the honor, however the title does not impact their duties or ministry. Six priests in the Diocese were given this title on February 28 of this year; in addition to Msgr. Hahn, they are: Msgr. Francis Karwacki, Msgr. Edward Lavelle, Msgr. Lawrence McNeil, Msgr. Edward Quinlan, and the late Msgr. Daniel Mitzel, who entered into eternal rest on March 30.
Msgr. Hahn, ordained on June 1, 2002, said the greatest joy of the priesthood is “simply what every priest does as he brings Christ to others. The priest is configured to Christ at ordination in a special way and so he is meant to manifest and bring forth to all people the presence, power, love and peace of Christ.”
This is done most uniquely in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, “where Christ becomes present to us in the Most Blessed Sacrament;” in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, “where the mercy of God is poured out for the forgiveness of sins;” and in proclaiming God’s Word “to bring liberating grace and truth and consolation,” he said.
“In every encounter, we’re bringing Christ to others,” he said. “The priest has this unbelievable grace and privilege of bringing Christ to a world that so desperately needs Him.”
As a priest, he is a Father to his family in the truest sense of the word as he accompanies parishioners through the joys, sorrows and messiness of life. “It’s always within the context of the faith which points us to all things that lead to eternal life with Christ,” Msgr. Hahn said.
He speaks highly of the parish and school families of St. Leo’s as he reflects on being named a Chaplain to His Holiness.
“The naming of a Monsignor comes from the bishop recommending them to the Holy Father. Having been a pastor here at St. Leo’s for 17 years, it also reflects upon this community here,” he said. “It is a vibrant community with a great school and countless ministries and outreach programs. It is a wonderful parish that I’ve been blessed to be with. A parish, while it’s led by the pastor, finds its identity in the people. I am so grateful to the faithful people I have been serving here at St. Leo’s these 17 years.”
“Being a Father is about family and care and pointing people to God. I’m still a Father. I received the title of Monsignor, but it does not change who I am as a priest. I’m here to humbly serve the people of God. That’s my job description and it does not change,” he said.
(Solemn Vespers to mark the occasion of the six priests who have been named a Chaplain to His Holiness will be held at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg on Sunday, May 18 at 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend.)
By Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness
