Ordinariate Vicar General Honored as 'Chaplain of His Holiness' by Pope Francis

Bishop Steven Lopes announced to the faithful of the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter that the vicar general, Fr. Timothy Perkins, had been named a "Chaplain of His Holiness" and given the honorific "Monsignor" by Pope Francis.

Bishop Lopes, whose ordinariate includes Catholics of the Anglican tradition throughout North America, made the Feb. 25th announcement via Flocknote.

The bishop noted that a year ago, as the Ordinariate was beginning its 10th anniversary jubilee, the Holy Father had conferred the Pro Pontefice Medal on three of the Ordinariate's faithful -- Deacon Jim Barnett, Carolyn Barnett and Laurel Miller -- whom he said were "instrumental in the initial establishment and organization of the Ordinariate." 

"It is my great pleasure to share with you the news that our Holy Father Pope Francis, has bestowed an honor on one of our priests, Father Timothy P. Perkins, naming him a Chaplain of His Holiness with the title of Monsignor!" Bishop Lopes said.  

"Of coworkers in the vineyard of the Lord, Monsignor Perkins is the best," he added. "I have so often benefited from his wise counsel, his prayerful discernment, and most of all from his friendship. As Vicar General, he stands shoulder to shoulder with me in service to you and in support of our priests and parish communities."  

Bishop Lopes noted Msgr. Perkins "contribution to the project of Catholic unity reaches back decades." He pointed out that Msgr. Perkins led St. Peter the Rock as the first community into full communion with the Catholic Church via the Ordinariate. The bishop explained the community now forms part of the Ordinariate parishes of St. John Vianney in Cleburne and St. Mary the Virgin in Arlington.

"Indeed, becoming a Chaplain of His Holiness honors the pioneering work of so many of our priests and people," Bishop Lopes said.  

He added a public celebration for the conferral of papal honors on Msgr. Perkins is planned for the Cathedral of Our Lady for Walsingham sometime in Eastertide.