Pope Benedict XVI has conferred the honorary title of monsignor on nine area priests, the Archdiocese of Baltimore announced on Wednesday.

The priests are:

The Rev. Richard J. Bozzelli, Pastor, Corpus Christi Church, Baltimore;
The Rev. William A. Collins, Jr., Associate Pastor Emeritus, Holy Family, Randallstown;
The Rev. Carl F. Cummings, Pastor, St. Jane Frances de Chantal Church, Riviera Beach;
The Rev. James W. Hannon, Pastor, St. Ann, Grantsville, St. Gabriel, Barton, St. Joseph, Midland, St. Michael, Frostburg, St. Peter, Westernport;
The Rev. J. Bruce Jarboe, Pastor, Church of the Crucifixion, Good Shepherd Church, and Holy Trinity Church, Glen Burnie;
The Rev. Edward M. Miller, Pastor, St. Bernardine Church, Baltimore;
The Rev. Richard J. Murphy, Pastor, St. John the Evangelist Church, Frederick;
The Rev. Jay F. O’Connor, Director, Office of Clergy Personnel; and
The Rev. Kevin T. Schenning, Pastor, St. Joseph Church, Fullerton.

Collins, who retired earlier this year after working for nearly 40 years in the Metropolitan Tribunal, received the title of Prelate of Honor to His Holiness. Bozzelli, Cummings, Hannon, Jarboe, Miller, Murphy, O’Connor, and Schenning were named Chaplains to His Holiness.

"I am grateful to the Holy Father for affirming the outstanding contributions of these fine priests, who give so much of themselves for the glory of God and the spiritual growth of His people," Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien said in a statement. "Such recognition is particularly challenging in this Archdiocese, which is blessed to have so many dedicated and faithful priests serving in parishes, schools, and other institutions."

Hannon, who pastors five churches, was the subject of a story by Sun colleague Joe Burris earlier this year. We spoke to Jarboe just last week for a story about how priests prepare their Christmas homilies. For Jaboe, the honor comes as he transitions to rector of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen.

An investiture ceremony is set for 5:30 p.m. March 7 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen.