Reverend Monsignor Francis X. Dreger, Pastor Emeritus, Saint Cecilia Parish, Philadelphia, died on Wednesday, September 21, 2022.
Monsignor Dreger was born on October 21, 1926, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the son of the late Robert Dreger and Mary Dougherty. Monsignor Dreger attended Saint Joseph Parochial School, Collingdale and Saint Clement Parochial School, Philadelphia and West Catholic High School, Philadelphia, before entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.
Monsignor Dreger was ordained on May 19, 1951, at The Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia by Most Reverend Hugh L. Lamb. He was named Honorary Prelate of His Holiness John Paul II on May, 29, 1991. Monsignor Dreger served as Parochial Vicar, Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, Coaldale; Saint John Baptist de la Salle Parish, Shillington, Saint Joseph Parish, Spring City, Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Philadelphia, and Saint Ignatius of Loyola Parish, Philadelphia. He served on Faculty at Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill and Roman Catholic High School for Boys, Philadelphia. He served as Pastor, Holy Cross Parish, Philadelphia from 1979 to 1985. In 1985, he was appointed Pastor, Saint Cecilia Parish, Philadelphia, and named Pastor Emeritus, there in 2001.
The Reception of the Body will be held at Saint Cecilia Church, Philadelphia on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at 9:30 AM, followed by a viewing. Most Reverend. Michael J. Fitzgerald will celebrate the Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM. Concelebrating the Funeral Mass will be Reverend Monsignor George L. Strausser, Reverend Christopher M. Walsh, Reverend Stephen F. Katziner, and Deacon Louis S. Malfara will be the homilist.
Monsignor Dreger is survived by his nieces and nephews. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon.
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