WHEELING — The Rev. Dean G. Borgmeyer, who previously served as pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Weirton, has been named a Chaplain to His Holiness by Pope Francis, entitling him to be addressed as monsignor.

Borgmeyer currently is the pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Huntington, W.Va.

“The Holy Father has offered a wonderful gift to Msgr. Borgmeyer and to the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston,” Bishop Michael J. Bransfield, of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, said. “Msgr. Borgmeyer has served as a trusted leader in our diocese throughout his ministry. He serves our diocese as the Vicar Forane for the Charleston Vicariate, chaplain at Marshall University, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic School and St. Joseph Central High School and is integral in promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life. I am very pleased that the Holy Father has chosen to recognize Msgr. Borgmeyer for his many accomplishments.”

Chaplain to His Holiness is a pontifical honor conferred exclusively upon secular or diocesan priests in recognition of their dedication and exemplary service to the Church, monsignors are honorary members of the Pontifical Family, appointed by the pope himself. There are three grades of monsignor in the Catholic Church: Protonotary Apostolic Supernumerary, Prelate of Honor to His Holiness and Chaplain to His Holiness.

Borgmeyer, 66, is a native of St. Charles, Mo. He is the son of Rolland and Georgina. He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston June 6, 1981.

Borgmeyer served as vice-rector of the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Charleston from 1981-1983; associate pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Martinsburg, from 1983-1985; pastor of St. Peter Parish in Welch, W.Va., and Christ the King Parish in War, W.Va., from 1985-1987; chaplain for the United States Navy from 1987-1990; pastor of St. Mary Parish and St. Ladislaus Parish in Wheeling from 1990-1994; pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Nitro, W.Va., from 1994-2002; pastor of St. Mary Parish in Star City, W.Va., from 2002-2006; pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Weirton, W.Va., from 2006-2012; and pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Huntington from 2012-present.

He has served in the Presbyterate of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston for 36 years.

Pope Francis also bestowed several honors to 13 West Virginians — including two priests — for their service to the Church and society. The Holy Father named Ronald Violi, Robert Fitzsimmons and Richard Preservati Knights of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great.

The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross has been awarded to Very Rev. Donald X. Higgs and Very Rev. Paul J. Wharton. The Benemeriti Medal has been awarded to Jim and Linda Bordas, Matthew Bowles, Robert and Jody Contraguerro, James Gardill, Dr. Judith Romano and Bernard Twigg.

Each was nominated for the honor by Bransfield. Liturgical celebrations will be held March 10 at 5:30 p.m., at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Charleston, and March 17 at 6 p.m., at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling to honor the recipients.