Father Harcourt Blackett Renamed Monsignor Vincent Harcourt Blackett

Father Harcourt Blackett was recently bestowed the prestigious title and honour by Pope Benedict, on the recommendation of Archbishop Rivas.

Archbishop Rivas said Monsignor Vincent had given great service to the church, in Barbados, England and Africa, but he was especially grateful for his performance as the Archbishop's special delegate in Barbados for the past four years.

The presentation ceremony took place at the end of the Chrism Mass, the annual Holy Week service when the various oils used in church rituals are blessed and priests renew their commitment to the church.

Monsignor, pl. monsignori, is the form of address for those members of the clergy of the Catholic Church holding certain ecclesiastical honorific titles. Monsignor is from the French mon seigneur, meaning "my lord". In English, it is abbreviated Msgr, Mgr, or Mons. These awards are granted by the Pope, usually at the request of the local bishop.

Monsignor Vincent clerical dress has also changed, and now is in keeping with the dress of the office. Monsignor wears a black cassock trimmed with a black fascia.

The fascia is a sash worn by clerics and seminarians with the cassock in the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Church. It is not to be worn as a belt but should be placed above the waist between the navel and the breastbone (sternum). The ends that hang down should be worn on the left side of the body and placed a little forward but not completely off the left hip.

Father Harcourt Blackett has been an outspoken cleric on many situations within the Barbadian society for many years, and has been one of the positive examples of what a man of the clothe should be in upholding the morals of any society. His office has also sparked by some controversy, along the way by the conception of the walk holy band which has taken a stance against the unruly behaviour of revelers on kadooment day in Barbados, by trying to give an example of how one can enjoy oneself without the need of alcohol and lewd behaviour.

Trivester.com says congratulation to the new Monsignor, as he will do the office proud.