By Ambria Hammel | April 2, 2009 | The Catholic Sun

Three local priests received the title of “monsignor” during a March 19 ceremony at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral.

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted presided over the investiture ceremony in honor of the new Monsignors Thomas Hever, George Highberger and Antonio Sotelo. Pope Benedict XVI conferred the titles at the request of the bishop.

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Family and friends turned out in droves to show their support and appreciation for the three diocesan priests who had a positive impact on their lives.

“Their new title expresses a close bond of love that binds every priest to Peter,” the bishop said during his homily. “To be invested as a monsignor implies an even closer share in the work of the Holy Father, especially in his pontifical duties.”

The congregation broke into applause when the bishop thanked the men for being such good priests. The new monsignors have faithfully served the Church for more than 46 years, with 140 years combined of priestly ministry.

The monsignor title typically honors such dedication.

“The three priests whom we honor tonight were ordained prior to the Second Vatican Council or just as it was beginning,” the bishop said. “This means that they have served as priests during one of the most tumultuous periods in the history of the Church.”

Bishop Olmsted also highlighted the crucial role priests play in being bridge builders. The late Pope John Paul II had the same words for local Catholics during his 1987 visit to the Valley.

“A priest should mold his human personality in such a way that it becomes a bridge, not an obstacle for others in their meeting with Jesus Christ,” the bishop said, quoting the late pontiff.

That’s the strength many parishioners of the diocese’s newest monsignors see in their priest.

All about the people

“Humility is his biggest strength and everybody knows it,” parishioner Marion Hebting said of Msgr. Hever, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Scottsdale.

Bill Curoe, a winter visitor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, agreed that he has a way with people. Curoe said Msgr. Hever makes him feel very welcomed.

“It’s really the people who have served me over the last 47 years of priesthood that mean so much for me tonight,” Msgr. Hever said. “It’s really in honor of you that this monsignorship goes.”

Msgr. Hever recognized Catholics from all six parishes he has served  in the diocese since 1967.

The priests, all in their 70s, were humbled by the recognition. Each wore his own custom-made purple-trimmed black cassock with a purple sash for the occasion.

The new monsignors took a brief turn at the ambo following the conferral of the honor. Each address followed a standing ovation from their supporters.

Grateful for support

Msgr. Highberger, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Wickenburg, spoke of his love for the sacramental ministry, particularly the Eucharist. He called it a privilege to represent the Lord in the sacraments.

“I’m very grateful to all of you for your prayer and support and your acceptance of my service in the name of the Lord, despite my many faults,” Msgr. Highberger said.

Joani Mangold, a member of the parish council, called her pastor a humble, moral man who speaks from the heart. She added that Msgr. Highberger has brought many people back to the faith.

Msgr. Highberger spent the first 24 years of priestly ministry as a Holy Cross Father before being incardinated in Phoenix in 1985. He’s been at St. Anthony in Wickenburg since 2005.

Fr. Rob Clements, rector of Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, still misses the days Msgr. Highberger lived and worked with him at St. Mary Parish in Chandler. Fr. Clements spent five years as his associate and succeeded Msgr. Highberger as pastor.

“He brought such a calm and loving presence to the rectory,” Fr. Clements said. “I hated it when he’d be on vacation, but when I’d hear his car pull in the garage after being away, I’d always have a sense of ‘Thank God — Dad’s home.’”

Father figure

The men locked up in one of the five county jails, two state facilitates and one federal prison in Arizona often revere Msgr. Sotelo as a father figure. He returns the favor by calling them “hijo” or “son.” He’s found the “tough” inmates often soften up after that.

“I’m glad I can help people when I see them and make them feel better,” Msgr. Sotelo said. He has worked in prison ministry for nearly 10 years.

Msgr. Sotelo also helps serve Spanish-speaking Catholics at St. Margaret Parish in Tempe. Jim Simpson, a St. Mary parishioner in Chandler and friend of Msgr. Sotelo, said that he’s always there for anyone who needs him.

Augustine Ramirez, a St. Margaret parishioner, agreed. He sees the retired priest come to his house at least once a week to play basketball with his young sons, help them with homework and read from the Bible.

Before the celebration ended, Bishop Olmsted publicly announced that the diocese would join Pope Benedict XVI in celebrating the Year of the Priesthood beginning June 19. He said it would be a time for the people of God to further express appreciation and support for their priests.

“Above all, the Year of the Priesthood will be a time of prayer asking Him to send more laborers into His harvest,” the bishop said.