What is a Monsignor?

[White_Peony]

And what does he do?

 

[nightranger]

“The title of Monsignor is usually bestowed on a priest either because of a position of prominence in the diocese (like, say, the Vicar General, the Rector of the Cathedral, the Director of Education or pastor of a large and prominent parish), or because of years of faithful and esteemed service in a diocese. In and of itself, it carries no extra power with it. It is simply a title of honor.”

 

[YoungTradCath]

Monsignor is an Italian word which means “my lord.” It is what we call priests who receive one of three honors from the Pope. These are: Protonotary Apostolic (numerary and supernumerary), Honorary Prelate, and Chaplain of His Holiness. These are the technical terms, but the spoken and written form of address and reference is simply “Monsignor X.” Monsignor is also used in several countries to address and reference a bishop, instead of “His Excellency” and “Your Excellency.”