Woodbridge Priest Among Those Named 'Monsignor'

HARTFORD, CT — At the request of Archbishop Leonard P. Blair, Pope Francis has designated nine priests who serve the Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford as "monsignors."

The title of monsignor means that a priest has been made an honorary member of the Pope’s own

"household." The custom dates back many centuries and is given to designated priests who are at least 65 years old and who are "distinguished for their service."

Eight of the nine priests recognized are pastors, and one has provided more than 40 years of service to the Metropolitan Marriage Tribunal.

Those who have been named are:

• Rev. Thomas Barry, Pastor, Saint Patrick Farmington
• Rev. Joseph DiSciacca, Pastor, Divine Mercy, Hamden
• Rev. Joseph Donnelly, Pastor, Sacred Heart, Southbury
• Rev. John Georgia, Pastor, Resurrection, Wallingford
• Rev. Gene Gianelli, Pastor, Assumption, Woodbridge
• Rev. James Kinnane, Adjutant Judicial Vicar, Metropolitan Tribunal
• Rev. Frank Matera, Pastor, St. Mary, Simsbury
• Rev. Robert O’Grady, Pastor, Mary, Gate of Heaven, Windsor Locks
• Rev. Gary Simeone, Pastor, St. Gregory, Bristol

Archbishop Blair recommended the priests last May, and was pleased when Pope Francis recently
confirmed them, especially as the Archdiocese of Hartford is celebrating its special anniversary.

"My intention on the occasion of our 175th anniversary is simply this — to recognize the service of all our priests by honoring a few representatives out of the many who so faithfully teach, sanctify and shepherd the people of God, especially in these challenging times for the church and for priests." Blair said. "The fact that this is a papal honor also underscores the close bonds of communion between our local church and the Holy Father in Rome. And when a parish priest is named a monsignor it is an honor for his parishioners too."

There will be a celebration of the conferral of the papal honors at a prayer service on Sunday February 24, 2019 at 4 p.m. at St. Thomas Chapel at the Pastoral Center in Bloomfield.

Blair said that other Papal Honors will be announced for members of the laity and religious of the Archdiocese over the next few months.

Photo Credit: Archdiocese of Hartford

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