Msgr. James Burnett, a priest of the Davenport Diocese, has been named a Prelate of Honor by Pope Benedict XVI. Msgr. Burnett, chief chaplain of the Edward Hines Veterans Administration Medical Center in Chicago, was one of four priests the Holy Father honored. All four have served or currently serve with the Archdiocese for the Military Services USA (AMS).
Msgr. Frank Pugliese of the Archdiocese of New York, vicar general, was named Prelate of Honor. Msgr. John McLaughlin of the Archdiocese of Boston, Newman Chaplain at Boston University, and Msgr. Matthew D’Souza of the Diocese of Lucknow (India), a retired Navy chaplain, were named Chaplains of His Holiness.
Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the archbishop for AMS “is deeply grateful to the Holy See for having responded affirmatively to his petition and congratulates these fine priests for their selfless service to the Archdiocese and to ministry among those entrusted to her pastoral care,” a news release stated. It is the first time AMS has requested papal honors for a VA chaplain.
Msgr. Burnett also serves as president of the National Conference of VA Catholic Chaplains, which includes the 320 priests serving in the VA system. He noted that the VA has 153 hospitals and five under construction.
Msgr. Burnett said Archbishop Broglio called him the Saturday before the Feb. 16 announcement to share the good news. “In the years since Archbisop Broglio was named to the AMS I have worked very closely with him as it relates to priests serving in the VA system. We have tripled the number of members, with his wonderful support,” Msgr. Burnett added.
Hi Msgr. Burnett: Congratulations on your new title. Been a long time trying to find you. So much has happened in our lives. I don’t know if you remember us from St. Paul’s or not but just wanted to get in touch with you. I hope I have the right Rev. Msgr Burnett. Jim has been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma Sept 2013 & they gave him 2yrs. & 6mos. It has been so trying for us as he is in his 2nd yr (sept. 13 2015) He was critical when we took him to Iowa City & up there for 1 wk. The following week he went for Chemo every wk up till Oct. of 2014, & then he go to Ft. Madison. He is now goes to see Dr. in Iowa City once a mo, to get his Chemo medication that he can take at home for 4 days. There are days that come & go & don’t know where they went. Both of our children are married, Nannette has daughter named Caitlin(17) Jr this yr. & Tom has 2 boys John(7) & Joey(6). Tom lives in Avon, Ind. & CEO of his company, Nannette & husband have a very successful muffler & brake shop in FM. Will close for now & hope we can hear from you. Sincerely, Janet & Jim