So long, Msgr. Bonnell

Intermountain Catholic

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Monsignor Victor Bonnell shares a laugh with parishioners at his farewell reception at Saint Rose of Lima Parish.

LAYTON — Monsignor Victor G. Bonnell was lauded as a great homilist, a church-builder and a friend at his retirement party on June 5 at Saint Rose of Lima Parish, where he has been pastor for 22 years. He was ordained a priest in 1960; in addition to serving as pastor of various parishes in the Diocese of Salt Lake City he was a prison chaplain for 12 years.

The event for Msgr. Bonnell was a few hours after a similar party for Monsignor Rudolph Daz, pastor of Saint Olaf Parish in Bountiful, and precedes by a month the retirement celebration for Monsignor Michael Winterer, pastor of Christ the King Church in Cedar City.

"These are beautiful occasions to give thanks to Almighty God for our priests, but they are bittersweet" because we are saying good-bye, said the Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City.

Msgr. Bonnell "is a highly principled man and a priest who lives by his own creed; he’s somebody who puts into action what he preaches," Bishop Wester said. "He has followed the example of Jesus, the great high priest, and as his disciple he has taken up his cross and followed him when it was convenient or inconvenient, when he was popular or unpopular for proclaiming what he knew Jesus called him to proclaim."

Among the others who spoke at the event was Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, the diocese’s vicar general, who, at the age of 14, was introduced to Msgr. Bonnell. "No matter what the cost of priestly service, Msgr. Bonnell has always given it. There’s nothing too much in terms of personal sacrifice," Msgr. Bircumshaw said.

Msgr. Bonnell has been an asset to the community, said Layton Mayor Steven Curtis. "I wanted to take time and express my gratitude to him for those years that he has helped this area in understanding more about their heavenly father and what he means to them in their lives."

Several St. Rose of Lima parishioners also spoke at the event.

"It’s probably not enough for us to say thank you for all that you have done for us in Saint Rose: building our beautiful church, our wonderful education center, taking care of all the spiritual needs – the baptisms, the communions, the confirmations, the marriages, and the funerals for over 1,500 families," said Pat Gotti. "You are a great priest, a devoted pastor, but most of all, a friend. May you enjoy your retirement and always remember us, your Utah family."

For his parting words, Msgr. Bonnell asked forgiveness for mistakes he may have made and encouraged the parish to welcome their new pastor. Then he added, "If I have anything at all to get across, it is to always try to do the will of God. If you do the will of God, you are a saint. It’s the first and foremost thing we’re called to do."

At the reception following the ceremony, Colleen Costello, now a councilwoman in the City of Midvale, recalled Msgr. Bonnell as her speech class teacher in high school, who told her in front of the entire class to go into television or radio. "I didn’t go into television, I didn’t go into radio, but I went into politics, and I’m where I’m at because of him," she said.

Stephen Maxwell, a St. Rose of Lima parishioner who also is a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, said Msgr. Bonnell’s homilies are a continuation of his Catholic education because he puts the readings into context. "As far as I can see, he has been more than just a pastor, he’s been a mentor to the educational growth for the parish," Maxwell said.