October 3, 2017 – Rev. Msgr. Joseph Pellegrino became the 21st recipient of the Fr. Luis Distinguished Priestly Service Award at the annual Convocation for Priestly Renewal. He was selected by his peers to receive the award in recognition of  his dedicated ministry and service to the faithful and community of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

Msgr. Joseph Pellegrino has shepherded the parish community of St. Ignatius of Antioch in Tarpon Springs for over 25 years, after having served as founding pastor of St. Matthew Parish in Largo. Msgr. Pellegrino entered the Salesian religious order in New Jersey. After completing his studies, he was ordained a priest on April 16, 1977.

He came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1979 and was incardinated as a priest of the Diocese in 1982.  He served in three parish assignments until being named the first pastor of the new parish in Largo. Monsignor Pellegrino has carefully guarded and guided Guardian Angels Interparochial Catholic School in Clearwater and has built and staffed an early childhood center in the grounds of St. Ignatius, carrying with him St. John Bosco’s deep dedication to the education and formation of youth. In the past, he has been elected as chair of the Presbyteral Council and is currently serving on the Diocesan Finance Council. In 2016, following the nomination of Bishop Lynch, Pope Francis conferred the honor of Chaplain to His Holiness on Monsignor Joseph Anthony Pellegrino.

Learn more about the establishment of the Fr. Luis Distinguished Priestly Service Award and previous recipients here.

Photo credit: Rev. Carl Melchior