Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces that Pope John Paul II, shortly before his death, conferred Papal Honors on 14 priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. All of the priests will receive the title of "Monsignor" and are being honored as outstanding examples of their priestly vocation and for service to the Church.

Two priests were honored with title of Chaplains of His Holiness. Four priests previously named Chaplains of His Holiness were elevated to Prelates of Honor. Eight other priests were named Prelates of Honor.

Prelates of Honor
Reverend Richard J. Wright -In Residence, St. Colman, Ardmore, Montgomery County
Reverend Henry B. Degnan - Pastor Emeritus, St. Joseph's Parish, Aston, Delaware County
Reverend Joseph P. McGeown - Pastor, St. Clare Parish, Linfield, Montgomery County
Reverend James J. Foley -Pastor, Saints Peter and Paul Parish, West Chester
Reverend Hugh J. Shields - Pastor, Visitation B.V.M Parish, Philadelphia
Reverend Robert J. Powell - Pastor, St. Cyril of Jerusalem Parish, Jamison, Bucks County
Reverend David H. Benz - Pastor, St. Philomena Parish, Lansdowne, Delaware County
Reverend Charles L. Sangermano - Pastor, Holy Saviour Parish, Norristown, Montgomery County

Chaplains of His Holiness named Prelates of Honor
Reverend Monsignor Daniel J. Sullivan - Regional Vicar for Philadelphia South/ Pastor, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish
Reverend Monsignor James D. Beisel - Regional Vicar for Bucks County
Reverend Monsignor Timothy C. Senior - Secretary for Clergy
Reverend Monsignor John J. McIntyre - Secretary to the Cardinal

Chaplains of His Holiness
Reverend Joseph G. Prior - Rector, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook
Reverend Joseph A. Tracy - Secretary for Catholic Human Services, Philadelphia

Cardinal Rigali will celebrate a Mass on Sunday, June 12, 2005 at 3:30 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul during which the Papal Honors will be acknowledged.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747