The Diocese of Spokane is pleased to announce that His Holiness Pope Francis has recognized the priestly service of two priests of the diocese by granting them the honor of Chaplain to His Holiness with the title “Reverend Monsignor.” Monsignor Brian Mee and Monsignor Mark Pautler were informed of their elevation over the weekend. They will be publically recognized at a later date at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes.

The rank of monsignor is an honorific title bestowed on diocesan priests who are at least 65 years of and have made substantial contributions to the life of the local church. In 2014 Pope Francis restricted the elevation of priests to monsignor to those over the age of 65 and eliminated two of three ranks of monsignor. Monsignors Mee and Pautler are the first new monsignors elevated in the Diocese of Spokane since 2007.

Monsignor Brian Mee, a native of Spokane, was ordained a priest of the diocese in 1978. Monsignor Mee currently serves as the pastor of St. Augustine parish and recently completed a five-year term as Vicar for Finance for the diocese of Spokane. Monsignor Mark Pautler, a native of Walla Walla, was ordained a priest of the diocese in 1974. Monsignor Pautler currently serves as the Chancellor and Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Spokane.

In addition to these papal honors for Monsignor Mee and Monsignor Pautler, Bishop Daly has been informed that the Holy See is processing two additional honors for lay people serving in the Diocese of Spokane.  Bishop Daly hopes to announce those honors very soon.