By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted August 9, 2024

Pope Francis has bestowed a Papal Honor upon Msgr. John M. Savinski for his dedication and exceptional service to the church, the Archdiocese announced this week.

He will receive the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (Cross for the Church and Pontiff) from Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez during Mass on Sunday, Sept. 22 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Morton.

Monsignor Savinski was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1971. He has served as a high school theology teacher and a parochial vicar in several parishes. As a faculty member and Spiritual Director at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, he provided a model of priestly service and spirituality for generations of seminarians in the Philadelphia Archdiocese as well as dioceses and religious orders from across the United States.

He was named a Chaplain to His Holiness with the title of Monsignor in 2003. That same year, he was named Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Morton (Delaware County). After a fire destroyed the parish school just prior to the 2018-2019 academic year, Msgr. Savinski’s leadership and attention to detail inspired the school community to begin classes on time, and to rebuild the school quickly.

Msgr. Savinski, who retired as Pastor in 2020, continues to serve the seminary community. He also serves as the Master of Ceremonies for Archbishop Pérez, diligently planning liturgies, preparing for the celebrations, training liturgical ministers, and greeting the faithful afterward.

According to Archbishop Pérez, the award “seems to fit very well the service that Msgr. Savinski has given to the Church in Philadelphia and the impact that he has made on generations of priests here and in other dioceses.”

Msgr. Savinski’s “energetic diligence and cheerful manner are an inspiration, and it is often a challenge to keep up with him. Although he would be the last to request any kind of recognition, Msgr. Savinski certainly merits such as award,” the archbishop added.

Upon learning that he would receive this Papal Honor, Msgr. Savinski said, “I was literally stunned, speechless and surprised all at the same time! I am truly humbled and am deeply appreciative for being recommended with this special honor. I thank the Lord Jesus for the gift of his Priesthood and for guiding me in serving the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.”

He continued, “I am also happy to share the joy of this Papal Honor with my family, the parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and with everyone I have been called to serve over the years. May our Blessed Mother Mary, the Mother of Priests, keep us all in her loving care and protection. St. Charles Borromeo and St. John Vianney, pray for us!”

The Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice was established by Pope Leo XIII in 1888, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination. It consists of a cross-shaped medal depicting the apostles Peter and Paul, suspended from a ribbon of gold and white, the colors of the Holy See.

The award’s citation states that it is given “especially for those who have performed, with great zeal, outstanding works for the Church and the Pontiff.”