Msgr. J.J. Howard, rector of cathedral

Msgr. James Joseph Howard, 89, longtime rector of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, died Tuesday, Oct. 28, at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Born May 19, 1925, Msgr. Howard was the son of Veronica and James Howard Sr. of Pottsville, Pa., where he was raised. He went to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1943 and was ordained in 1952. He officiated at his first Mass in June 1952, at the Church of St. Patrick in Pottsville. He was later the assistant pastor at St. Mary's Church in Beaver Meadows, Pa., and St. Francis de Sales and Our Lady of Angels in Philadelphia.

In 1958, Msgr. Howard joined the faculty of Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill and taught theology. In 1960, he moved to Cardinal Dougherty High School as a disciplinarian. After eight years, Msgr. Howard became principal, serving from 1968 until 1973.

He was given the title of monsignor in November 1973 and began serving as the rector of what was then the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul. He played an essential role in having the cathedral designated a basilica following the 41st International Eucharistic Congress, held in Philadelphia in 1976. The cathedral received its official title in 1977.

One of Msgr. Howard's accomplishments was helping organize Pope John Paul II's Papal Mass at the cathedral in 1979.

Msgr. Howard became the longest-tenured rector in the history of the cathedral, serving from 1973 until 2000. During that period, he provided counsel and spiritual support to the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments.

He served as the chaplain of groups such as the League of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Catholic Police, Fire and Peace Officers, and the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania after he retired. He also served on the boards of Hahnemann University Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital, and Roman Catholic High School.

"He was a very dedicated priest," said John Maxwell, a retired Philadelphia chief inspector of detectives. "He counseled thousands of police and firefighters. He always understood the hardships of the job, and always made himself available 24/7."

In June 2008, Msgr. Michael T. McCulken wrote a statement after Msgr. Howard received the cathedral's inaugural Keys and Swords Award, which recognizes a member of the religious or civic community of Philadelphia.

"Msgr. Howard is legendary as a priest of Philadelphia," McCulken wrote. "His long tenure as rector of the cathedral basilica and his dedication to offering spiritual assistance to police and firefighters over many decades are two hallmarks of his priestly service to the Lord Jesus and the church."

Msgr. Howard is survived by his caregiver, Sister Frances D'Alessandro.

A viewing will be from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, 18th Street and the Parkway. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be Thursday, Nov. 6, in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.

Donations may be made to Camilla Hall Building Fund, c/o I.H.M. Mission Advancement, Box 200, Immaculata, Pa. 19345.