A priest of the Diocese of Camden, Msgr. Checchio has served as rector of North American College in Rome since 2006, after serving as vice rector there for three years. The Pontifical North American College, founded in 1859, is the U.S. national seminary in Rome.
The title prelate of honor is a papal honor bestowed on diocesan priests. Msgr. Checchio was appointed a papal chamberlain by Pope John Paul II in 2000.
Msgr. Checchio, 45, studied canon law at North American College and was ordained in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden, on June 20, 1992.
While in the Diocese of Camden he held a number of parish and administrative positions. He served as secretary to Bishop James T. McHugh, vice chancellor, director of communications, moderator of the curia and episcopal vicar for administration of the diocese. He also served in the Tribunal and as a member of the College of Consultors, Presbyteral Council, Investment Committee and Diocesan Finance Council.
He was administrator of Holy Spirit Parish, Atlantic City; parochial vicar of St Agnes Parish, Blackwood; and summer parochial vicar at St. Peter Parish, Merchantville, and St. Peter Celestine, Cherry Hill.