Two Maine priests have been bestowed the title of monsignor for exceptional service to the Catholic Church, the Diocese of Portland announced Tuesday.
Frank J. Murray, former pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Bangor who retired from active ministry in 2020, and Jean-Paul Labrie, pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Fort Kent, were given the honorific title with the rank of chaplain to His Holiness, granted to both by Pope Francis before his death, according to the Diocese of Portland.
The presentation was made during a special Mass celebrated by Bishop James Ruggieri on May 21 at Holy Redeemer Church in Bar Harbor.
“It’s very humbling for starters, and it does help you remember all the different things that so many people helped you to accomplish,” said Murray, who has continued his priestly ministry in the five years since his retirement.
“I found so many helpers that allowed the Church to accomplish what we’re supposed to be accomplishing, you know, loving people and helping them out. So, I’m hoping that that’s the reason why our bishop in Rome decided that this would be a nice way to say thank you. And it is. I am very humbled by it,” Murphy said.
Labrie, who has been pastor of St. John Vianney Parish since 2017 and previously was pastor of Parish of the Precious Blood in Caribou, said he is “a bit overwhelmed” but also grateful for the gift and recognition. “It truly is very humbling,” he said.
