Pope bestows ‘monsignor’ title on three archdiocesan priests

The title of “monsignor” has been absent from the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City for more than a decade.

Pope Benedict XVI appointed then-Father Edward Weisenburger, now the archbishop of Detroit, as Reverend Monsignor on Oct. 2, 2009. Nearly three years later Weisenburger was named Bishop of Salina, Kansas, and the archdiocese has been without a monsignor since.

Until now.

Pope Leo XIV has bestowed the title of monsignor on three archdiocesan priests: Very Reverend Rick Stansberry, pastor of The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Oklahoma City; Very Reverend Donald Wolf, pastor of Historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church and rector of the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine, both in Oklahoma City; and Very Reverend William Novak, pastor of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edmond and vicar general in the archdiocese.

"Fathers Rick Stansberry and Don Wolf have been named Chaplains of His Holiness, which is a Pontifical Honor in recognition of service rendered to the Church.  I requested this honor for them and it has been granted. Along with the distinctive vesture they are entitled to wear they also may use the title Monsignor,” Archbishop Coakley said. 

"In addition to these two priests I also requested this honor for Father William Novak. As it turns out Father Novak does not meet the minimum age requirement, since he is not yet 65. However, since he serves as vicar general he is entitled to use the title monsignor for as long as he serves as vicar general. 

So, what does the title “monsignor” designate?

It is a title bestowed on a priest who has distinguished himself by exceptional service to the church. It is a title granted by the pope — typically, upon the recommendation of the priest’s diocesan bishop. It is a purely honorary title and has no effect on the priest’s duties or ministerial assignment.

“Certainly, being named a monsignor is an honor,” Father Stansberry said, “but the greater honor is serving the people of God, which all priests do. It adds a bit of color to the priesthood and is somewhat a connection with the past, as in the old days there were many more and even more levels.

“Father Wolf certainly is well deserved, as he has served as a priest for many years and was a pioneer in Hispanic Ministry, and Father Novak for his hard work as vicar general.”

Said Father Wolf: “It is an honor to be named a Chaplain to the Papal Household. I have to say, it’s not something I have thought about very much. I appreciate the recognition of my ministry and the archbishop’s initiative to award me this title. More than anything though, the greatest honor is what has already come to me as the rector of the shrine and the pastor of Sacred Heart parish.

“To be amidst the pilgrims who arrive to visit the shrine, to be present in the lives of so many in the parish and to be a part of the great movement of the recognition of the holiness of Blessed Stanley Rother is the most satisfying prize of my ministry.

In January 2014, Pope Francis instructed the bishops of the world that diocesan priests would no longer be awarded the title of monsignor before reaching the age of 65. While younger, Father Novak can be bestowed the honor as a vicar general.

“I’m humbled by this distinction,” said Father Novak. “It is an honor for me to serve the Church as vicar general the past 14 years with Archbishop Coakley. The focus of our work has been evangelization and to ‘Go Make Disciples.’ I’m grateful to continue to serve in this capacity as vicar general and thankful for this honor.”

Archbishop Coakley said, "I am proud of all our priests and these honors are simply a recognition of the dedication our priests demonstrate day in and day out."

John Helsley is editor of the Sooner Catholic.


Photo: Very Rev. Rick Stansberry, Very Rev. Donald Wolf, and Very Rev. William Novak, V.G. received the title “monsignor.” They were recognized during a Clergy Days ceremony on Sept. 22 at the Catholic Pastoral Center. Photo Avery Holt/Sooner Catholic.