Pope Benedict XVI Honors 28 in Archdiocese

Pope Benedict XVI recently greeted Archbishop John J. Myers (center) in Rome during a visit to discuss the work of the Papal Foundation. His Holiness has bestowed papal honors on 28 archdiocesan clergy and members of Religious communities. The awards will be celebrated with a special prayer service this fall at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark.

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has bestowed the honorary title of Reverend Monsignor upon 18 priests of the Archdiocese of Newark, and further elevated two monsignors of the archdiocese. Eight Religious priests, Brothers and Sisters also were honored by the pontiff with the Benemerenti Medal for Religious men and women.

The rank of "Monsignor" honors a priest with one of three different titles: Chaplain to His Holiness, Prelate of Honor, and Protonotary Apostolic Supernumerary. Among the 20 priests honored, one is named Protonotary Apostolic Supernumerary, four are named Prelate of Honor, and 15 are named Chaplain to His Holiness.
 
Elevated in rank from his previous honor as Prelate of Honor to that of Protonotary Apostolic Supernumerary is Reverend Monsignor Ronald J. Rozniak, pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Ridgewood, and vicar general for "missio sui juris"-Turks & Caicos Islands.

Elevated in rank from his previous honor as Chaplain to His Holiness to that of Prelate of Honor is Reverend Monsignor William J. Fadrowski, pastor, Queen of Peace Parish, North Arlington.

Honored as Prelates of Honor to His Holiness with the title of Reverend Monsignor are:

• Reverend Monsignor Kevin M. Hanbury, vicar for education, and superintendent of schools
• Reverend Monsignor Anthony J. Kulig, Immaculate Conception Seminary-formation faculty, director of liturgy
• Reverend Monsignor James O. Sheerin, (retired).

Honored as Chaplains to His Holiness with the title of Reverend Monsignor are:

• Reverend Monsignor Michael A. Andreano, vice chancellor and secretary to the archbishop
• Reverend Monsignor Beaubrun Ardouin, pastor, Saint Leo Parish, Irvington; coordinator, Haitian Apostolate
• Reverend Monsignor Peter Baldacchino, Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, West Orange; executive director, Clergy Personnel
• Reverend Monsignor James M. Sheehan, judicial vicar, designate
• Reverend Monsignor C. Anthony Ziccardi, professor, Immaculate Conception Seminary; SHU Board Affairs

The Benemerenti Medal, instituted by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832, is conferred on those who have exhibited long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church, their families and community. The word "benemerenti" means "to a well-deserving person." Honored with the Benemerenti Medal for Religious are:

• Sister Patricia Butler, S.C., associate superintendent of schools
• Brother Ralph Darmento, F.S.C., deputy superintendent of schools
• Father Edward Glynn, S.J., president, Cristo Rey Schools (retired)
• Father Mariusz Koch, C.F.R., novice master; community visitator
• Sister Margaret Thomas McGovern, O.P., delegate for Divine Providence Parish, Providenciales; chancellor, 'missio sui juris'-Turks & Caicos Islands
• Reverend Monsignor Joseph R. Chapel, professor, academic dean, Immaculate Conception Seminary
• Reverend Monsignor Anthony J. Figueiredo, Pontifical Council Cor Unum, Vatican City
• Reverend Monsignor David C. Hubba, pastor, Saint Mary Parish, Nutley
• Reverend Monsignor Christopher J. Hynes, adjunct professor, Seton Hall University (SHU); assistant for public affairs
• Reverend Monsignor John G. Judge, pastor, Saint Cassian Parish, Upper Montclair
• Reverend Monsignor John J. Laferrera, pastor, Saint Philomena Parish, Livingston
• Reverend Monsignor Lawrence J. Miller, pastor, Saint Mary Star of the Sea Parish, Bayonne
• Reverend Monsignor Anselm Nwaorgu, pastor, Blessed Sacrament/ Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, Newark
• Reverend Monsignor Lewis V. Papera, pastor, Corpus Christi Parish, Hasbrouck Heights
• Reverend Monsignor Joseph A. Petrillo, pastor, Our Lady of Religious
• Father John Russell, O. Carm., professor, Immaculate Conception Seminary
• Sister Virginia Stanton, S.S.J., director, Ministerial Development Center (retired)
• Father Benedict M. Worry, O.S.B., pastor, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, Linden.

In commenting on the 28 honors, Archbishop John J. Myers said, "I am happy for these men and women, first for their witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ through their work and generosity, and second for their goodness and loyalty to the Church. Please join me in extending congratulations, prayers, and gratitude to these priests and Religious from a cross-section of the archdiocese for their dedicated service to the Church as acknowledged by our Holy Father." An evening prayer service at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark, will take place in the fall. "At that time," the archbishop added, "we will prayerfully celebrate the honors bestowed by the Holy Father and our union with him in faith and love."