POPE Benedict XVI’s conferral of the title, Prelate of Honour, on Brisbane archdiocese vicar general Monsignor Peter Meneely was celebrated at St Stephen’s Cathedral last Sunday.
The Pope named him a Prelate of Honour with the title of “monsignor” in August.
Family, friends and representatives of archdiocesan agencies gathered to celebrate the conferral at the 10am cathedral Mass, with Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane presiding.
Archbishop Coleridge, in announcing Pope Benedict’s decision to give Fr Meneely the title of “monsignor”, said the title was appropriate to Msgr Meneely’s office of vicar general and a fitting recognition of the contribution he had made through his years of service as the archdiocese’s moderator.
At last Sunday’s Mass, Archbishop Coleridge said the title, conferred by the Pope, was one of honour but also one of service. It was a sign that Msgr Meneely was, in all circumstances, at the service of the communion of the Church in Brisbane archdiocese and beyond.
In March 2000, Archbishop John Bathersby appointed Msgr Meneely to the position of moderator of the Curia for Brisbane archdiocese.
In that role and as vicar general, he oversees Brisbane Catholic Education, Centacare, Faith and Life and the financial administration of the archdiocese, and manages more than 15,000 staff.
Msgr Meneely said his latest appointment was an absolute honour.
“But probably the greatest honour that I have is to serve as a priest,” he said.
Msgr Meneely continues to be involved in sacramental ministry through his ministry as administrator of St Luke’s Parish, Buranda, and supply ministry in parishes on weekends.
He also assists at the Cathedral of St Stephen.
