Nineteen lay people and clergy in the Archdiocese of Vancouver will be recognized for their outstanding service to the Church on Sunday, Sept. 8., at Holy Rosary Cathedral.
Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, will confer the honours awarded by Pope Francis at a Papal Honours Mass at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Sixteen people will be given the Benemerenti medal, awarded to benemerenti, “the well-deserving,” who have shown lasting and exceptional service to the Catholic Church, family, and community. Pope Gregory XVI instituted the award in 1832 for members of the military and civilians showing extraordinary courage. In 1925 it was extended to people who go to great lengths to serve the Church in 1925.
Three people will receive the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. Established by Pope Leo XIII in 1888, it is the highest recognition the laity can receive from the Pope. The award is given for distinguished service to the Church by lay people or clergy.
This year’s recipients are:
Benemerenti Medal
- Gwendoline Allison
- Peter Bull
- Richard and Kathleen Cheng
- Dr. Thomas Cooper
- Timothy McKinnon
- Murray and Patricia Neilson
- Virginia Peters
- Henjie and Teresa San Juan
- Judit Spence
- Dorothy Van der Zalm
- Dick Vollet
- Betty Wilson
- Dr. John Yun
Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice
- Dr. Felix Durity
- Mary Margaret MacKinnon
- Msgr. Bernard Anthony Rossi
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