Pope Francis has elevated six priests of the Archdiocese of Lipa to the rank of monsignor, an honor bestowed by the Holy See to clergy who have distinguished themselves in their service to the Church.

Those conferred with the title were Msgr Ernesto Mandanas, Msgr Antonio Mendoza, Msgr Conrado Castillo, Msgr Cecilio Arce, Msgr Edgardo Pagcaliuangan, and the late Msgr Eleuterio Ramos.

The new appointments were announced by the archdiocese on Monday, Feb. 20, and as the archdiocese marks its year-long 50th anniversary celebration.

There are three grades of monsignor: “protonotary apostolic”, which are usually given to priests working at the Vatican; “prelates of honor to his Holiness,” which are historically associated with those involved in the papal court; and “chaplains to his Holiness,” which may be conferred to priests inside or outside the Roman Curia.

Also, of the three levels, only the last is available to worthy diocesan priests who are at least 65 years old. It is also granted by the pope at the request of the diocesan bishop.

Monsignors are also recognized as part of the papal household and entitled to wear a distinctive cassock outlined in purple.

The archdiocese has yet to announce the date for the investiture ceremony of the new monsignors.