The diocese is mourning the passing of a Senior Priest. Monsignor Philip P. Saylor passed on January 25, 2021, at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College. He was 91 years old.
Monsignor Saylor was born in Bellefonte, the son of the late Philip and Kathryn (Hoy) Saylor. He completed his studies for the priesthood at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and holds a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Francis Seminary in Loretto.
He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown in 1955, and served as Parochial Vicar at Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Johnstown; Saint Leo Parish in Altoona; and Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown. He was Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish in Bellwood; Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Altoona; Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown; Our Lady of Victory Parish in State College; and Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Philipsburg. He retired from active Ministry in 1999.
Monsignor Saylor was Editor of the diocesan newspaper The Catholic Register from 1977 until 1989.
He was named a chaplain of honor to His Holiness Pope Paul VI in 1974 and was elevated to the rank of Prelate of Honor by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1984.
A viewing for Monsignor Saylor will be held on January 29 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Bellefonte. A funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately following the viewing at Saint John the Evangelist at 10:00 a.m.
