Bishop Larry Silva, left, congratulates Father Gary Secor on his new title of “Monsignor,” which was announced at the Kamiano Center, Dec. 22, at the Christmas party for diocesan staff. (HCH photo | Darlene J.M. Dela Cruz)
Bishop Larry Silva surprised diocesan vicar general Father Gary Secor with a very special announcement at the Christmas party for diocesan staff Dec. 22 – a newly minted title, “Monsignor.”
“It is my great pleasure to announce that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has named Father Gary Secor a Chaplain to His Holiness,” Bishop Silva wrote in a Dec. 22 memo. “He will now have the title ‘Monsignor Gary Secor.’ This is an honorary title given to priests who are outstanding in their witness to Jesus and their service to the people of God.”
Father Secor, in addition to his duties as vicar general, also presently serves as Moderator of the Curia of the Diocese of Honolulu and rector of the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace.
He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Honolulu on Aug. 13, 1977. During his nearly 40 years of priesthood, Father Secor has also been pastor at several Island parishes and held other diocesan positions working with clergy and vocations.
Bishop Silva noted that although Father Secor’s title of “Monsignor” takes effect immediately, a special investiture ceremony is slated to take place at the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace “within the next couple of months.”
“We thank God for Monsignor Secor and all the exemplary service he has given to the Diocese of Honolulu,” the bishop said.