Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

By Richard C. Dujardin
Journal staff writer

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, which until last week had 14 priests carrying the title of monsignor, now has 10 more.

Bishop Thomas J. Tobin announced that Pope Benedict XVI has accepted his recommendation that 10 additional priests be named "chaplains to his holiness" with the title of monsignor. It marks the first time that priest in Rhode Island has been accorded the title since Msgr. John Darcy, the chancellor and diocesan vicar general, was honored by the Holy See in 2004.

While the title is largely honorific -- recognizing the recipient's service and commitment to the church -- the recipient traditionally wears a black cassock trimmed with "Roman pink," actually purple piping and buttons and a purple sash.

The new monsignors are:

• Msgr. Raymond B. Bastia, 60, pastor of St. Joseph parish in Providence and the diocesan secretary for planning and financial services;




• Msgr. Barry R.L. Connerton, 64, pastor of St. Augustine parish in Providence, one of the largest parishes in the diocese, and a former associate editor of the diocesan weekly newspaper.




• Msgr. John C. Halloran, 72, pastor emeritus for St. Thomas More parish in Narragansett, former director of the Tower Hill residential camp for underprivileged children and a former rector of the diocesan college seminary.




• Msgr. Nicholas J. Iacovacci, 83, the former pastor of St. Ann parish in Providence and who now lives and assists at St. Peter parish in Warwick while offering pastoral and sacramental ministry to inmates at the state correctional facilities.




• Msgr. John W. Lolio, 64, pastor of Our Lady of Mercy parish in East Greenwich since 1992.




• Msgr. Anthony Mancini, 57, rector of the Cathedral of SS. Peter & Paul in Providence since 2004. He has also been the cathedral's music director since 1991 and director of the Gregorian Concert Choir.




• Msgr. Gerard O. Sabourin, 74, administrator of the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Community in Exeter, which he started in 1981, and the director of the diocesan apostolate for persons with handicaps.




• Msgr. Richard D. Sheahan, 64, pastor of Holy Apostles parish in Cranston, and a member of the diocesan finance council.




• Msgr. Ronald P. Simeone, 55, judicial vicar for the diocesan tribunal and pastor for the last nine years at St. Anthony's parish in Woonsocket.




• Msgr. Victor M. Vieira, 66, who fled came to Rhode Island in the wake of rampant chaos and mass murders in Portuguese Timor, and who now serves the Portuguese community in East Providence as pastor of St. Francis Xavier.

Bishop Tobin said he recommended the names to the Holy See after consulting with diocesan advisers, deans and the priests personnel board. No more than 10 percent of the priests of a diocese can be accorded the honor of monsignor. There have been 80 priests accorded the title since the diocese was established in 1872.

 Tags  Diocese of Providence religion Thomas J. Tobin

Comments

robert said:

What about Fr. Daniel M. Trainor? No priest has done more for the poor of the Diocese than Fr. Trainor. Cmon, Bishop, loosen up the Msgr. strings!

Link | January 12, 2009 7:12 PM
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Ed Ames said:

It's all political, even in the church. Robert, don't waste your breath.

Link | January 13, 2009 4:18 PM
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Beth said:

On a more positive note, the ceremony was beautiful. The cathedral was packed, with families and supporters of these 10 men standing and applauding as they walked down the center aisle. The choir was magnificent. That is one beautiful place -- and last night it was so alive with pride.

Link | March 26, 2009 9:20 AM
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