Celebration held for newly named monsignors
Hundreds of parishioners filled St. John Church in Bangor on Friday, August 29, to honor two priests who were recently bestowed the title of monsigor, with the rank of Chaplain to His Holiness. The honor was bestowed upon Father Jean-Paul Labrie and Father Frank Murray by Pope Francis, shortly before his passing.
"This title, 'monsignor,' is not a new sacramental rank or an intermediate step toward the episcopacy. It confers no added sacramental powers, no jurisdiction over other clergy, and no administrative governance. Rather, it is a papal honor — a visible, humble sign of deep gratitude and esteem for long, faithful, and generous service to the Church," said Bishop James Ruggieri, who celebrated the Mass honoring Msgr. Labrie and Msgr. Murray. "Under Pope Francis, who valued pastoral simplicity and ministry over clerical titles, this honor was reserved with care and distinction. It acknowledges, particularly, priests of mature faithful service and devotion, without transforming their priestly identity, because at heart, they remain priests, servants of Christ and his body, the Church."
Msgr. Labrie and Msgr. Murray have both faithfully served the Diocese of Portland for decades. Msgr. Labrie is currently pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Fort Kent, but since his ordination in 1982, he has served at parishes or churches in Biddeford, Caribou, Daigle, Fort Fairfield, Hampden, Lewiston, and Limiestone. He has also served as chaplain for the University of New England in Biddeford.
Ordained in 1981, Msgr. Murray retired from active ministry in 2020, but prior to that, he served at parishes or churches in Auburn, Bangor, Brunswick, Mechanic Falls, Norway, and Portland. He also served as a hospital chaplain at Maine Medical Center in Portland, as well as in campus ministry at the University of Southern Maine. Diocesan positions included director of campus ministry and director of the Office of Vocations.
"Their witness reminds us that the call to follow Christ is not glamorous but faithful; it is not about titles but about service; it is not about comfort but about commitment," Bishop Ruggieri said.
The celebration in Bangor drew people from throughout the diocese and beyond, many of them recalling the times when their parish was served by either Msgr. Murray or Msgr. Labrie. They said the priests deserve the honor, describing them as humble, kind, and dedicated.
"When we are ordained, we are asked to preach, to teach, to govern, and to sanctify. Monsignor Labrie fulfilled all of those to the utmost that one could expect. He's a preacher and a teacher, and he loves his people. He governs them well, and he draws them to God in holiness. So he fulfills his promises to the hilt," said Father James Plourde, a priest of the diocese who is retired from active ministry.
"Father Murray was just absolutely wonderful when he served at St. Charles Borromeo Church of All Saints Parish in Brunswick," said Karen Black, who traveled from Brunswick to attend the Mass. "He helped me out at a very difficult time in my life, and I just wanted to come and honor him. He's a good listener, and he has a spirit about him that's just very special."
"They're both such holy men. Msgr. Labrie has a personality that is so outgoing. Monsignor Murray, no matter when you talk to him, even if it's on the phone, it's, 'Hello, how are you?' And he sounds like he means it. He's very sincere. Both of them have sincere hearts. I've known Monsignor Murray for so long, and Monsignor Labrie watched my sons raise up from childhood to adulthood," said Mary Brown, who currently serves at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Bangor. "They're both so special."
Monsignor Labrie and Monsignor Murray both expressed their gratitude for the many parishioners and priests who attended the Bangor celebration, as well as to those with whom they have served through their years of priestly ministry.
"It's a very humbling experience to realize that so many people appreciate what I enjoy doing. I mean, I don't see myself as having done anything extraordinary. I've just been doing what I've been tasked to do. It's a work that blesses me. I enjoy it immensely. But just to know that so many people appreciate that — fellow priests but also people of the parishes — it is humbling," said Msgr. Labrie.
"Over the last weeks, as we've been preparing for this, I've been really, really overwhelmed, thinking of all the different people that I have been blessed to serve with. It's easy to get a lot of things accomplished when you've got so many people that offer their hands and their energy to get something done. So, I think it really is a sign of how many helpful fellow disciples that we have. It's really wonderful," said Msgr. Murray.
During the Mass, Father Kyle Doustou read the proclamations issued by Pope Francis. The certificates were then presented to Msgr. Labrie and Msgr. Murray by BIshop Ruggieri, who also blessed the two priests, asking God to "confer upon them the gifts of your Spirit that they may remain humble in heart as they serve your household, the Church."
The principal concelebrants for the Mass included Bishop Emeritus Robert Deeley, father Doustou, who is vicar general, Msgr. Paul Stefanko, who serves as vicar for senior priests, father Jack Dickinson, who is judicial vicar, and Msgr. Andrew Dubois, pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Bangor.
Following the Mass, parishioners and priests joined the newly named monsignors in the parish hall for a dinner and a chance to personally congratulate and thank them.
