The Rev. Daniel J. McGlynn, pastor of the Holy Cross parish in Dover has received the title of monsignor from Pope Benedict XVI.
McGlynn, 70, is one of four Delaware priests to receive the honor, which was announced Feb. 26 by Bishop W. Francis Malooly of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington. The others, who like McGlynn also will be known as “Chaplains to His Holiness,” are Monsignor Charles L. Brown III of St. John the Beloved Parish, Wilmington; Monsignor George J. Brubaker of St. John the Apostle Parish, Milford; and Monsignor John P. Hopkins of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, Newark.
“He’s well respected in our diocese and Dover has a very vibrant parish,” Malooly said. “It’s well deserved.”
McGlynn and the others will be formally invested during ceremonies to take place May 30 at St. John the Beloved Church, Wilmington.
“It was a surprise, I wasn’t expecting it,” McGlynn said of his reaction upon hearing the news. “I appreciate it, but what I appreciate more is the response of the people to it.”
McGlynn credits the people of the Dover parish, more than his own work, for the success the church has enjoyed over the past few years.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve done anything,” he added. “All I’ve got to do is pastor and shepherd the people. Whatever we’ve accomplished, it’s because of them.”
Malooly had discussed seeking Benedict’s approval of the monsignor title with his predecessor, the late Bishop Michael A. Saltarelli.
“Bishop Saltarelli had retired and his health was not good,” Malooly said. “I had talked with him about who might be so honored so he could honor those who had helped him over his 12 years and I could put in my two cents worth for those who had helped me during my first 10 months.
“We agreed all four would be outstanding,” the bishop added.
Adding to the honor is that McGlynn is the Dover parish’s first priest to hold the title of monsignor since the Rev. John Donohoe was appointed in May 1965. The change also means a slight alteration of McGlynn’s priestly garb: he now will wear purple piping on his black cassock as well as a purple sash.
Usually a newly installed prelate waits some time before approaching the pope about bestowing such titles, but knowing how ill Saltarelli was, Malooly said he decided to start early, hoping approval would be granted in time for Saltarelli to take part in the honors.
Unfortunately that was not to be, as Saltarelli died in October 2009.
Just the same, Malooly thinks Saltarelli would be pleased with McGlynn’s new designation.
“I think when we honor a priest with the title, we’re also honoring their parishioners. In the case of the people of Holy Cross in Dover, when thinking about the quality of their parish and the deep spirit of faith they have, a lot of that is attributable to him.”
