Msgr. Garcia Receives Papal Honor

Msgr. Otto L. Garcia, former Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, has been honored by Pope Benedict XVI, who has bestowed on him the title of Protonotary Apostolic in recognition of exceptional work he has performed on behalf of the Church.

Msgr. Garcia

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio announced the honor at a vespers service held "in celebration and in gratitude" for Msgr. Garcia's "ministry in service to the bishops, priests and people of the Diocese of Brooklyn."

Four hundred clergy, religious and lay employees of the diocese attended the Feb. 15 service in the Immaculate Conception Center Chapel, Douglaston. A reception followed.

In his homily at vespers, Bishop DiMarzio lauded Msgr. Garcia for his 28 years in diocesan administration. He presented him with a zucchetto, a symbol of his new title.

Now the pastor of St. Joan of Arc parish in Jackson Heights, Msgr. Garcia was the diocesan Chancellor before beginning his tenure as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia. A respected canon lawyer, he has conducted seminars, given talks and taught university courses on canon law in several parts of the country.

Raised to the rank of monsignor in 1984, he received an honorary doctorate of laws from St. John's University in 1989.

The last recipient of the title of Protonotary Apostolic presented for distinguished service for the Diocese of Brooklyn was Msgr. Austin P. Bennett, retired Vicar for Administration, who was honored by Pope John Paul II in 1997. Msgr. James P. King, retired Vicar General, was similarly honored in 1976 by Pope Paul VI.