SAN ANTONIO • The late Pope John Paul II has once again left his imprint on the archdiocese with the selection of nine priests to receive the honorary title of monsignor. These were among the last appointments for the archdiocese by the pontiff.
The nomination of the priests to monsignor was also a part of the final legacy of Archbishop Patrick F. Flores to the church here. The new monsignors were chosen in recognition of their distinguished and faithful service to the people of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. The Holy Father named the following to the honor of monsignor:
• Rev. Juan I. Alfaro — St. Rose of Lima Church, San Antonio
• Rev. Michael J. Boulette — St. Peter Upon the Water Spiritual Direction and Formation Center, Kerrville
• Rev. Carlos J. Dávalos — St. Andrew Church, Pleasanton
• Rev. Joseph A. López — Assumption Seminary, San Antonio
• Rev. Patrick L. Marron — St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, San Antonio
• Rev. Conor J. McGrath — Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Selma
• Rev. Patrick Joseph Ragsdale — St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina Church, San Antonio
• Rev. Kevin E. Ryan — St. Mark the Evangelist Church, San Antonio
• Rev. Leslie A. Vance — St. Brigid Church, San Antonio
The official announcement was made jointly on June 9 by Archbishop José H. Gomez and Archbishop Emeritus Patrick F. Flores.
Archbishop Flores last nominated new monsignors in 1998, when the title of “Monsignor” or “Chaplain to His Holiness Pope John Paul II” was conferred on 16 priests serving in the Archdiocese of San Antonio.
The title ‘monsignor’ is of French origin and was introduced into the papal household during the years of the pontifical court’s stay in Avignon. At one time, the official robes of a monsignor were a crimson-lined cape, crimson-buttoned cassock and a small, crimson zuchetta covering the head. Today, the formal robe is limited to the crimson sash or cummerbund, which is sometimes worn on ceremonial occasions.
Literally hundreds of thousands of local Catholics have been touched by these new monsignors throughout their many years of service in dozens of parishes and ministries in the archdiocese.
The appointees will have the title of monsignor formally conferred on them at a special investiture ceremony yet to be scheduled.