On Aug. 6, Msgr. Moroney received exciting news from his bishop in Worcester, Bishop Robert J. McManus. Within the ranks of those granted the papal honor of Monsignor the newly appointed rector has been granted the degree of Prelate of Honor.

"The Prelate of Honor is the second level of monsignors. When the Holy Father appoints somebody a monsignor, which is simply an honor that he grants to priests, there are actually three different levels," he said.

Msgr. Moroney said a priest given the honor becomes first a Chaplain of His Holiness, second a Prelate of Honor, and sometimes advances to become a Protonotary Apostolic.

"No superpowers come with the job. This is simply an honor that the Holy Father bestows in encouragement of all of the many good works that I have been privileged to be able to do for the Church," he said.

The new rector said his efforts have included contributions to the translation of the New Roman Missal and serving as executive secretary of the Vox Clara commission on behalf of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments.

"Everyone is always appreciative of encouragement in life. But knowing that I enjoy the confidence of my own bishop, Bishop McManus, and of Cardinal O'Malley and most particularly of the Holy Father in this instance is a great consolation. It helps me to be able to garner whatever strength and determination I need to do that which the seminary and which the Church asks of me," Msgr. Moroney said.