Q. 1. Once in awhile I come across a priest who has the title of Monsignor. How does a priest obtain that title?

A. 1. The title of Monsignor is an honorary ecclesiastical title that is granted to some diocesan priests by the Pope. It is a title of honour, possibly because of the priest's position of prominence in the diocese (like, say, the Vicar General, the Rector of the Cathedral, the Director of Education or pastor of a large and prominent parish), or because of years of faithful and esteemed service in a diocese. The title itself, carries no extra power with it. It is simply a title of honour.