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SAN ANTONIO • They were among the last appointments made by the beloved Pope John Paul II. Shortly before his death, the late pontiff left his imprint on the Archdiocese of San Antonio by honoring nine priests with the title of monsignor.
The nomination of the priests to monsignors was also a part of the final legacy of Archbishop Emeritus Patrick F. Flores. The new monsignors were chosen in recognition of their distinguished and faithful service to the people of the archdiocese.
On Sept. 8, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Archbishop José H. Gomez presided over their investiture Mass at St. Mark the Evangelist Church.
Honored with the title of monsignor were:
• Msgr. Juan I. Alfaro — St. Rose of Lima Church, San Antonio
• Msgr. Michael H. Boulette — St. Peter Upon the Water Spiritual Direction and Formation Center, Kerrville
• Msgr. Carlos J. Dávalos — St. Andrew Church, Pleasanton
• Msgr. Joseph A. López — Assumption Seminary, San Antonio
• Msgr. Patrick L. Marron — St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, San Antonio
• Msgr. Conor J. McGrath — Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Selma
• Msgr. Patrick J. Ragsdale — St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina Church, San Antonio
• Msgr. Kevin E. Ryan — St. Mark the Evangelist Church, San Antonio
• Msgr. Leslie A. Vance — St. Brigid Church, San Antonio
In his homily, Archbishop Gomez said that the church of San Antonio was rejoicing in the priesthood of the nine new monsignors and their years of selfless work to the archdiocese. He also took the opportunity to make a brief reflection on priesthood in the church and the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“Mary was, here on earth, the mother of the Divine Redeemer, and her work was quite unique in the work of salvation,” said the archbishop. “Mary is our mother, but she is, in a special way, the mother of priests.”
Referring to the liturgy’s first reading from Romans, Archbishop Gomez described the call to priesthood as a special call from God. “It is a gift and mystery,” he said. “It is a call to holiness for ordinary people, men who are trying to imitate Christ in persona Christi.”
Quoting Blessed Mother Teresa, who frequently told priests to “Be holy like Jesus,” the archbishop said that, according to Vatican II, the first duty of a priest is to preach the Gospel and administer the sacraments of faith. Again using the words of the future saint, who said, “Without priests, we have no Jesus,” the San Antonio prelate urged his clergy to help people come to know Christ. “Priests have to be another Christ, in bad times and good times,” said Archbishop Gomez. “We are confident that with God’s grace and the faithful we can give ourselves to God.”
He then asked the congregation to work for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life. “May more young people hear the call and respond to it with joyful enthusiasm,” he prayed.
Following the homily, the archbishop then called each new monsignor forward, vesting him with a new stole featuring the archdiocesan crest and an image of the Eucharist, and also presenting each honoree with the papal decree granting the new title.
Just prior to the conclusion of the liturgy, Archbishop Flores offered his congratulations to the clergy. “We have some great and wonderful priests in this archdiocese,” he said to sustained applause. “We have been blessed with such great and outstanding men in service to this archdiocese.”
At the end of the Mass a reception was held in the gym of the community center to greet the new monsignors.
The title of monsignor is of French origin and was introduced into the papal household during the years of the pontifical court’s stay in Avignon.
The monsignor’s former robe consists of a crimson sash or cummerbund which is work on ceremonial occasions.
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