CATHOLICISM AND THE UFO REALITY

Monsignor is an ecclesiastical honorific for clergy of the Roman Catholic, Eastern Catholic, and Episcopalian churches. The word derives from the French Mon Seigneur, meaning "my lord". In English, it is abbreviated Mgr., Msgr. or Mons.

In some European languages Monsignor (or its equivalent) is the simple style for bishops (including archbishops) who are not cardinals, as opposed to the formal style of Your Excellency. In English-speaking countries, however, the title of Monsignor is not given to bishops, but only to those priests who have been included in the Pontifical Family under one or more of the following three ranks:

Apostolic Protonotaries (the highest and least common form)

Honorary Prelates of His Holiness (formerly "Domestic Prelate")

Chaplains of His Holiness (formerly "Papal Chamberlain" or "Papal Chaplain")

The title of Papal chamberlain (Cameriere di spada e cappa) was one of the highest honours that could be bestowed on a Catholic layman by the Pope, and was often given to members of noble families. It was mostly an honorary position, but a chamberlain served the Pope for one week per year during official ceremonies. Franz von Papen was probably the most famous modern chamberlain.

A number of changes in the office of Monsignor were introduced by Pope Paul VI's motu proprio Pontificalis Domus of 28 March 1968. One year later, an Instruction of the Secretariat of State simplified the dress and the forms of address.

Before these reforms, the monsignori or lesser prelates were divided into at least 14 different grades, including domestic prelates, four kinds of protonotaries apostolic, four kinds of papal chamberlains, and at least five types of papal chaplains. Chamberlains and chaplains were grouped together as chaplains, a specifically priestly-sounding category. Papal Chamberlains were formerly called "Very Reverend Monsignor" and the higher ranks "Right Reverend Monsignor". In the reform this was simplified to prescribe for all the form "Reverend Monsignor", often reduced simply to "Monsignor". Papal Chamberlains used to be appointed only for the lifetime of the Pope, so that the appointment had to be obtained anew from his successor. This distinction too was eliminated by Pope Paul VI.

Chaplains of His Holiness may use a purple-trimmed black cassock with purple sash. Honorary prelates use a red-trimmed black cassock with purple sash. The red is the same shade as that used by bishops. Honorary prelates use a purple cassock as their choir dress.

Apostolic Protonotaries can be numerary or supernumerary. The former are very few, usually seven, who have an actual function to perform in the direct service of the Pope. Appointment as an Apostolic Protonotaries Supernumerary is simply the award of a title with certain privileges. Their dress is the same as for Honorary Prelates except that they have the option of also using a purple ferraiuolo or cape. In English-speaking countries, they sometimes add the letters, "P.A." (for Protonotarius Apostolicus) after their names.

Apostolic Protonotaries de numero (and other superior prelates of the offices of the Roman curia who are not bishops) have the same dress as other Apostolic Protonotaries, but wear the mantelletta in choir. They may be addressed as "Most Reverent Monsignor" (as is also allowed when addressing bishops), and may wear a black biretta with a red tuft.

Vicars general have the rank of Apostolic Protonotary durante munere and are therefore styled Monsignor as long as they hold that office. Episcopal vicars are often accorded the same title under less-specific rules of appointment.