Presented by
Pennsylvania Trails History and Genealogy

Masson, Monsignor Peter

MONSIGNOR PETER MASSON, rector of the Church of the Sacred Heart, Allentown, was born in Stadtkyll, near Treves, Germany, July 31, 1867. He received his primary education in his native town. At the age of twelve years he entered St. Albert’s College, Venloo, Holland, after which he went to the Gymnasium at Treves, from which he was graduated. He then took up the study of philosophy in the Seminary at St. Trond, Belgium, and later entered the American College at Louvain, Belgium, where he finished his theological studies. He was ordained several months in advance of his classmates and was called to the Philadelphia Archdiocese, September 1, 1892. Later he took a post-graduate course at the University of Louvain, Belgium, and in 1899, was called to the vice rectorship of the American College at Louvain. After eight years passed in this connection he was at his own request permitted to return to America, and since that time has filled charges in the Philadelphia archdiocese. Upon the death of Rev. Joseph Nerz, in 1911, Father Masson succeeded him as rector of the Church of the Sacred Heart. His labors in this parish have produced fruitful results, the most notable being the founding of the Sacred Heart Hospital in 1912. Father Masson is a profound scholar, an indefatigable worker, and an administrator of exceptional ability. For his splendid services in this and other parishes, His Holiness, Pius Tenth, on June 14, 1914, made him a domestic prelate with the title of monsignor.