Msgr. Vella Says Tribunal Unveiling Ceremony Was Picture-Perfect

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Msgr. Desmond J. Vella, J.C.D., touched thousands of lives in his 53 years of service to the archdiocese’s Metropolitan Tribunal, but this day was his to be embraced.

The Metropolitan Tribunal staff honored its former leader at the unveiling of Msgr. Vella’s painted portrait in the waiting area of its office at the New York Catholic Center in Manhattan on April 26. A reception with staff and guests followed at the Tribunal office.

“I’m overwhelmed by everything and grateful to everyone,” Msgr. Vella said to the 25 people at the unveiling. “The years went by quickly and I’m grateful for all the strength you all gave me. You all worked so hard.’’

Msgr. Vella’s service in the Metropolitan Tribunal included 22 years as judicial vicar. The Metropolitan Tribunal oversees the petitions and process for the annulment of marriages.

“He served the Church faithfully for 53 years,” said Father Richard Welch, C.Ss.R., the current judicial vicar of the Metropolitan Tribunal.

“We wanted to honor him in a special way. He built this Tribunal.’’

The ceremony opened with remarks from Father Welch before the unveiling of the painted portrait, which was made from a photo hanging in the Tribunal office. Above the portrait is a sign reading “Msgr. Vella A Tribute to 53 Years Faithful Service.” Below the portrait is a gold strip plaque with his name and dates of service to the Metropolitan Tribunal and as judiciary vicar.

A second portrait was presented to Msgr. Vella.

“It’s amazing. To be done from a photo is tremendous and it makes the original look good,’’ Msgr. Vella said.

Born and raised in the Bronx, he graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School and entered the Cathedral College in 1951 and St. Joseph’s Seminary two years later. After two years at St. Joseph’s Seminary, he was assigned to continue his studies at Gregorian University in Rome where he received licentiate in sacred theology in 1959 and a doctorate in canon law in 1962.

Msgr. Vella, who was ordained to the priesthood in 1958, was assigned to the Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of New York in Manhattan after returning to the United States from Rome in 1962. He served as judicial vicar of the Metropolitan Tribunal, 1986-2008, and vice officialis, 1977-1986.

He also served part time at Immaculate Conception parish in Manhattan, 1962-2015; vice chancellor of the archdiocese, 1972-1977; assistant chancellor, 1971-1972; and parochial vicar at Our Lady of Mercy, Bronx, 1959. He was a professor of canon law at Maryknoll Seminary, 1967-1991, and in the archdiocese’s Permanent Diaconate Program, 1976-2015. He earned a master’s degree in educational psychology from St. John’s University.

Msgr. Vella was recognized for his service in front of former colleagues and friends at the Tribunal. “It’s heartwarming to be together with my friends,” he said. “They’re family with the support they gave me over the years professionally with their work and love as friends.”