Reverend Monsignor Joseph D. Pins

Monsignor Joseph D. Pins, a pillar of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis Parish where he served as rector since 2004, died June 17 of cancer at Mother of Good Counsel Home in north Saint Louis County. Born September 2, 1944 to Alois and Marie (née Burke) Pins, he was 70.

Monsignor Pins attended Saint Louis Preparatory South High School, Cardinal Glennon College and Kenrick Seminary. He was ordained June 13, 1970.

His first assignment was as associate pastor of Saint Luke Parish in Richmond Heights. He was appointed associate pastor of the Cathedral Basilica Parish in 1975 and at the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France ("Old Cathedral") in 1980. He became pastor of Ascension Parish in Chesterfield in 1988 and rector of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis in 2004.

"He was a priest's priest. The priesthood was everything to him," said Father Nicholas Smith, who resides at the cathedral basilica rectory and worked with Monsignor Pins as archdiocesan master of ceremonies. Father Smith, who also is director of the archdiocesan Office of Sacred Worship, added that "I had fun working with him."

Monsignor Pins had been Paul and Lynette Raidt's pastor for 30 years, first at Ascension and then the cathedral basilica. Lynette explained that "he taught with such deep intelligence, knowledge and conviction of our Catholic faith and was absolutely unwavering ... The Catholic Church was truly the Bride of Christ in this holy man's life."

She added that "he has been a 'rock' in my life, always helping me to climb higher and higher in my already strong faith."

Nicole A. Heerlein, a member of the cathedral basilica staff, said Monsignor Pins "aided so many people through prayer, conversation, and/or actions and tirelessly lived those examples for others to follow."

In 2004, Monsignor Pins filled the newly created position of episcopal vicar at the Saint Louis Review, serving as the archbishop's representative to the archdiocesan newspaper and as its adviser. He remained in that role for almost eight years. He saw his task as an opportunity to fulfill "the Lord's parting command to us as He ascended to His Father (to) 'Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel.'"

Monsignor served as chaplain for the Saint Louis chapter of Legatus. He helped establish the chapter of the organization for Catholic CEOs and presidents of businesses while serving at the Old Cathedral, where many business people attended Mass during the week.

At the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, the mother church and spiritual center of the archdiocese, Monsignor tended to parish business as well as a mission of hospitality to the rest of the archdiocese and visitors from around the world. He always stressed that everyone was welcome at the cathedral basilica. He once said that the cathedral basilica was a place that strengthened his own faith over the years.

Monsignor Pins traced his desire to be a priest to the first grade during the Stations of the Cross on a Lenten Friday. His hobbies included reading, clocks, and collecting fountain pens.

Monsignor Pins is survived by a brother, David, and sister-in-law, Nancy Pins of Saint Louis. He was a dear uncle and great uncle, and beloved friend to many.

A public viewing is scheduled from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 22, and a funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, June 23, at 10 a.m., both at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, Annual Catholic Appeal, and Mother of Good Counsel Home.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that the soul of Thy servant Joseph, Thy priest, whom in this life Thou didst honor with the sacred office, may rejoice in the glory of heaven for evermore. Through our Lord. Amen.