By Eileen Oldfield Staff Writer
Former Manville resident Ralph A. Stansley was one of three priests in the Diocese of Trenton recognized with the Catholic Church’s papal honor, receiving the title of monsignor in December.
”I was quite surprised,” Monsignor Stansley, 62, said. “Being named a monsignor is not something you expect. You really just do the work you need to do without thinking of any honors.”
Bishop John M. Smith, of the Diocese of Trenton, conferred the honor on Monsignor Stansley during a Dec. 20 installation ceremony at the Monsignor’s parish, Our Lady of Good Counsel parish, in Moorestown. According to his brother-in-law, John Scoll, the honor recognizes a humble attitude and a devotion to his parishioners.
”We were happy for him,” Mr. Scoll, of Lincoln Avenue, said. “He’s a people person that works real hard and always puts the needs of his parishioners before his own.”
Approximately 15 family members attended the installation ceremony, Mr. Scoll said.
A strong background and involvement in the church started while Monsignor Stansley was growing up in Manville, and continued to his college years at the University of Scranton. There, he met Rev. John McVeigh, whose actions convinced him to become a priest.
”My family was always involved in the church,” Monsignor Stansely said. “From the time I was in second grade, I was involved in the church as well. We were always blessed with good priests who were good role models. But I guess it was living in a dorm and seeing the good work one special priest did which convinced me to become a priest.”
Monsignor Stansley then attended St. Francis College, in Loretto, Pa., and received a master’s in divinity from Niagara University, and second master’s in pastoral counseling from Iona College. He attended seminary at St. Francis Seminary, in Loretto, Pa., and Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Albany, N.Y.
In his almost 36 years with the church, Monsignor Stansley served as associate pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Riverton, and at St. Paul’s Church in Princeton, and as pastor at St. Gabrielle’s Church in Marlboro, Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Mercerville, and St. Alphonsus Church in Hopewell. He has served Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish since 2001.
