ARTICLES

Two priests honored at Cathedral vespers service

By Steve Neill
of The Catholic Virginian

Photos by Jayne Hushen

With an assembly of some 700 people at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo proudly conferred Papal Honors on two diocesan priests at an Evening Prayer service June 28.

As decreed by Pope Benedict XVI upon Bishop DiLorenzo’s request, Msgr. Thomas F. Shreve, Vicar General, was given the Title of Protonotary Apostolic, and Father Mark Richard Lane, Vicar for Clergy, was given the Title of Prelate of Honor.

Both priests received framed Papal decrees of their respective honor in Latin and signed by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, in Rome at St. Peter’s Basilica on April 15, 2008.

“You are truly deserving of our favor, not only because of your good character, but also because of your efforts and accomplishment in promoting the Catholic faith,” the decrees stated.

They were carried to the altar by people who play an important role in the two priests’ lives.

Deacon Robert Ewan, assistant to the Vicar for Clergy, and Elizabeth Primich, administrative assistant in that office, carried Msgr. Lane’s decree.

Anne Edwards, assistant to Bishop DiLorenzo, and Ann Neirmeyer, administrative assistant to Msgr. Shreve, carried his decree.

Prior to the Evening Prayer service, Msgr. Shreve had translated the Papal decrees into English and they were read by Father Patrick Golden, rector of the Cathedral.

Bishop DiLorenzo pointed out in his homily that both priests had demonstrated “class, dignity and integrity” in their ministry as priests.

He likened the Papal Honors to the outcome of a football game in which the crowd in the stadium cheers on the player carrying the ball and running to the goal line.

“Periodically the community has to step aside and cheer our friends on,” Bishop DiLorenzo said. “In point of fact, that’s what we’re doing here tonight.

“It is a good idea periodically to cheer people on as they go toward the goal which is heaven.”

As anyone with a goal before them, one moving toward that goal attempts to reach it in spite of all of the obstacles thrown in front of them, the Bishop said.

In concluding the homily, Bishop DiLorenzo thanked those in the assembly “for without you, there would be obviously no need for the priesthood.”

Obviously touched by the strong applause both received when the framed decree was presented to them, both priests thanked those who been with them for most of their earthly journey.

Msgr. Lane, ordained a priest of the Diocese of Richmond in 1974, thanked his brother and his cousin who came up to the altar to be with him when he received the decree.

“This is a symbol, not just of the service of me to the Church,” Msgr. Lane said, “but of the service of the people of God to me which has allowed me to continue this ministry.

“This began in baptism when my parents brought me to the faith and continues through the people.”

He quoted the words of St. Paul in his letter to the Philippians: “May God who began this good work in you see it through to completion right up to the day of Christ Jesus.”

Msgr. Shreve, ordained a priest in 1961, was joined on the altar by his sister and brother and his wife.

He pointed out that he was wearing his father’s cuff links which he had worn to his wedding.

“I am grateful for all the enthusiasm and support of everyone who made it possible for us to run,” Msgr. Shreve said, alluding to the vision of the football player from Bishop DiLorenzo’s homily.

“You do make the diocese alive.”

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