ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Reverend Monsignor Albert V. Norrell, Pastor Emeritus, Saint Carthage Parish, Philadelphia, died of Cancer at Villa Saint Joseph, Darby, on Wednesday, March 25, 2009.

Monsignor Norrell was born on June 22, 1923, in Richmond, Virginia. He is the son of the late Moses Alphonso Norrell and the late Adelaide L. Philips. Monsignor Norrell attended both elementary and secondary school in Richmond, Virginia. Monsignor Norrell received a B.A. in history at Virginia Union University and a M.A. in elementary education at Temple University. He spent over 25 years working with the School District of Philadelphia, retiring as a principal in 1983. He entered the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1979 and was ordained a Permanent Deacon by His Eminence John Cardinal Krol on November 7, 1982, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. In 1984, he began studies for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at the seminary at Pontificio Collegio Beda in Rome.

Monsignor Norrell was ordained in Rome on May 29, 1988, by His Holiness Pope John Paul II and named an Honorary Prelate to His Holiness on May 29, 1991. Monsignor Norrell served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Ignatius of Loyola Parish, Philadelphia. In August 1989, Monsignor Norrell was appointed Pastor, Saint Carthage Parish, Philadelphia, and named Pastor Emeritus there in 1998. Monsignor Norrell also served as a spiritual director for the Legion of Mary.

The service of the Transfer of the Body will be held at Saint Cyprian Church, Philadelphia, on Monday, March 30, 2009, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a viewing. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Justin Rigali at Saint Cyprian Parish, Philadelphia, on Monday, March 30, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. Assisting at the altar will be Reverend Monsignor Federico A. Britto, Reverend Monsignor John T. Conway, Reverend Monsignor Thomas A. Murray, Reverend Monsignor Bartholomew J. O'Brien, and Reverend Stephen D. Thorne. Father Thorne will be the homilist.

Monsignor Norrell is survived by a sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747