Pope Francis Bestows the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice upon Reverend Monsignor John M. Savinski

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will present the Papal Honor to Monsignor Savinski at Mass on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Morton (Delaware County).

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is proud to announce that Pope Francis has bestowed a Papal Honor upon Reverend Monsignor John M. Savinski, who has served the Archdiocese with distinction for 53 years as a priest.

He will receive the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (Cross for the Church and Pontiff) from Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez during Mass.

Sunday, September 22, 2024
12:00 noon
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church
2130 Franklin Avenue
Morton, PA 19070

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 Saint 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, Monsignor Savinski’s leadership and attention to detail inspired the school community to begin classes on time, and to rebuild the school quickly.

Although he retired as Pastor in 2020, Monsignor Savinski continues to serve the seminary community generously. 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.

Upon learning that he would receive this Papal Honor, Monsignor 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 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.”

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

The Archbishop went on to say that Monsignor 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, Monsignor Savinski certainly merits such as award.”

Background Regarding the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice

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 certificate that accompanies the medal explains that it is was “established especially for those who have notably performed with great zeal outstanding works for the Church and the Pontiff [pro Ecclesia et Pontifice].”

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Editor’s Note: A photograph of Monsignor Savinski is attached for publication and broadcast usage with credit to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.