Call him Monsignor

“Make a highway and clear a path for the Lord,” is a verse from the book of Isaiah, that the Rev. Robert Hayden, 70, connects with on a deep level. After years of service to St. William the Abbott Catholic Church in Seaford, Hayden, was elevated by Pope Francis to monsignor on Dec. 6. After 45 years in the church, Hayden has traveled far down that highway, with many stops along the way.

“It was truly a surprise,” the Queens native said, “and the nicest thing is to see how many people came out to the service and to know how happy they are for me.”

Hayden’s new title was recognized at a special service, which was followed by a brunch celebration. In a church with almost 6,000 registered members, it was a struggle to speak to the man in magenta.

“We are almost at the end of a five-year strategic planning process,” Hayden said. “We’ve been trying really hard to meet the needs of the parish, and reach out to younger families to make them feel that they can relate to things at the church and that they’re always welcome.”

Although the title of monsignor is a rare honor in the Catholic church, many of Hayden’s duties and responsibilities will remain the same. The title is bestowed by the pope in recognition of a priest’s achievements. The diocesan bishop nominates candidates for the honor and submits their names, biographies and other information to the Holy See. When a decision is made by the pope to elevate a priest, the Vatican’s secretariat of state issues a diploma designating the new title.

“I’m very appreciative of Bishop [William] Murphy doing this,” Hayden said. Murphy oversees the Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre, which encompasses St. William and other churches on Long Island.