In an expression of love, support and appreciation for the Diocesan priests who were conferred with the title of Chaplain of His Holiness by the late Pope Francis in February, dozens of clergy, consecrated men and women, and members of the laity gathered May 18 to celebrate these six new Monsignori and look on with joy as they received the papal decree.
“We honor today six of our number, six priests who truly exemplify self-gift, each in unique ways,” said Bishop Timothy Senior, as he presided over Solemn Vespers at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg to mark the occasion.
The new Monsignori are Msgr. Peter Hahn, pastor of St. Leo the Great Parish in Rohrerstown; Msgr. Frank J. Karwacki, VF, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Mount Carmel; Msgr. Edward R. Lavelle, retired; Msgr. Lawrence J. McNeil, retired; the late Msgr. Daniel C. Mitzel, who was serving as pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Columbia at the time of his death March 30; and Msgr. Edward J. Quinlan, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese.
“I knew before I came here that the Diocese of Harrisburg was blessed with a great presbyterate. Now as your bishop for almost two years, I continue to discover what a great blessing our priests are. I know that you, the faithful of our Diocese, appreciate your priests very much, too,” said Bishop Senior.
Recalling the day in February on which he shared with the six priests the news that they had been named Chaplains of His Holiness, the bishop said their common reaction was one of humility.
“One of the aspects of our very dedicated priests here in Harrisburg is that quality,” he said. “You see it all the time. I’ve been so inspired by my brother priests and their dedication, their desire to grow in holiness and to fulfill their responsibilities that the Church has given them. We honor them today, for the unique gifts they have brought to our Diocese and their ministries which have been so varied – in parish ministry, service in education, in leadership, parish work and in service to the Diocese. In many ways, it’s been unseen and hidden, but known certainly to God.”
“We honor them and in so doing renew our own commitments – as priests, deacons, consecrated religious and lay faithful – to unite ourselves with Christ, to unite ourselves every more fully with Him, that our lives may be reflective of His sacrifice.”
The prayer service was marked by antiphons, prayers and a Scripture reading prior to the Conferral of the Papal Decree of His Holiness. Each Monsignor received a framed decree, presented by the bishop, with one of Msgr. Mitzel’s sisters accepting on his behalf. The decree was signed by the Sostituto (Substitute) of the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, and issued by Pope Francis on February 22, 2025.
“With this title, they are bound more closely to the Holy See and the new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, who was inaugurated earlier today in St. Peter’s Square,” Bishop Senior remarked.
“Today, let us raise a joyful song of praise to the Lord for the Good things God has done through them,” he said.
In remarks at the conclusion of Solemn Vespers, Msgr. Quinlan, on behalf of the six new Monsignori, expressed appreciation to Bishop Senior and Pope Francis for the conferral of the honor. He also pointed out that the day marked the 40th anniversary of Bishop Senior’s ordination to the priesthood, an announcement that was met with a standing ovation from the congregation.
From the Italian monsignore, which means “my lord,” the title of Monsignor is one of honor in the Catholic Church and is bestowed upon priests who have served in an exemplary way. The title is granted by the pope at the recommendation of the bishop. Monsignori are entitled to wear distinctive vestments indicative of the honor, however the title does not impact their duties or ministry.
Over the past several weeks, The Catholic Witness produced feature stories on each of the new Monsignori, which can be found by clicking on their names: Msgr. Hahn, Msgr. Karwacki, Msgr. Lavelle, Msgr. McNeil, Msgr. Mitzel and Msgr. Quinlan.
(Photos by Chris Heisey, The Catholic Witness.)
By Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness
