Two new monsignors for Birmingham diocese

ARCHBISHOP Vincent Nichols announced during his homily at the Chrism Mass held in St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham, on March 19 that two priests of the diocese had been given the title Monsignor, writes Peter Jennings. The Archbishop of Birmingham, who was the principal celebrant at the Mass together with more than 250 priests from throughout the diocese, said: “Two of our priests have been given the title ‘Monsignor’ by the Holy Father as fitting to their leadership of two important institutions in the archdiocese. They are: Fr Mark Crisp and Fr Paul Watson. Congratulations to them both.” Since 2001 Mgr Mark Crisp has been Rector of St Mary’s College, Oscott, the diocesan seminary, situated on the outskirts of Birmingham. Since 2000 Mgr Paul Watson has been director of the Maryvale Institute of Further and Higher Education, situated at Old Oscott Hill, Birmingham.