Diocese announces two priests named monsignors, honoring distinguished service in ministry
Two priests of the Diocese of Portland have been bestowed the title of monsignor based on exceptional service to the Church – Monsignor Jean-Paul Labrie, pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Fort Kent, and Monsignor Frank J. Murray, who retired from active ministry in 2020. The title of monsignor, with the rank of Chaplain to His Holiness, was granted to both by Pope Francis before his passing. The presentation was made during a special Mass celebrated by Bishop James Ruggieri on May 21 at Holy Redeemer Church in Bar Harbor.
"I am a bit overwhelmed, but I am also grateful for this gift and recognition. I think of myself as being privileged be a part of this diocese and to work with wonderful people at so many different levels. It truly is very humbling," said Msgr. Labrie.
"It's very humbling for starters, and it does help you remember all the different things that so many people helped you to accomplish. There were just so many people that I got to know well, and 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," said Msgr. Murray.
Msgr. Jean-Paul Labrie has been pastor of St. John Vianney Parish since 2017. Prior to that appointment, he served as pastor of Parish of the Precious Blood in Caribou for eight years.
Born in Frenchville, Msgr. Labrie graduated from Wisdom High School in St. Agatha and went on to complete his clerical studies at St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland, and St. Paul Seminary in Ottawa, Ontario. Since his ordination in 1982, Msgr. Labrie has served at Holy Rosary Parish in Caribou, St. Denis Parish in Fort Fairfield and St. Louis Parish in Limestone; St. Matthew Parish in Hampden and St. Gabriel Parish in Winterport; Holy Family Parish in Daigle; St. Louis Parish in Fort Kent; St. Andre Parish in Biddeford, where he was also chaplain for University of New England; and Holy Family Parish in Lewiston.
Msgr. Frank J. Murray has continued his priestly ministry over the past five years since his retirement, providing coverage at several parishes. When he retired in 2020, he had served as pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Bangor for four years.
Msgr. Murray is a native of Bangor and earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Maine, Orono. He completed his clerical studies at the Theological College at The Catholic University, receiving a Master of Divinity. Since being ordained in 1981, Msgr. Murray has been pastor or administrator for several parishes and churches including All Saints Parish in Brunswick; Our Lady of Ransom Church in Mechanic Falls and St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Norway; Sacred Heart Parish, St. Louis Parish and St. Phillip Parish in Auburn; St. Mary Parish in Bangor; and Our Lady of Wisdom Parish in Orono; and Sacred Heart Parish in Portland. He served as a hospital chaplain at Maine Medical Center, as well as in campus ministry at the University of Southern Maine. Additionally, Msgr. Murray has served as director of campus ministry for the diocese, and director of the Office of Vocations and the Office of Seminarians.
