Four Sydney laypeople were among the last Catholics worldwide to receive papal honours from Pope Francis. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
The four were honoured for their significant contributions to the growth of the Catholic faith in the Sydney Archdiocese. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
One worked to promote ecumenism after a family tragedy. Two used their experience in the corporate world to serve the Church. Another combined faith with a passion for teaching and learning.
Michael Digges, executive director of administration and finance at the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, was made a knight of the Order of St Sylvester. This honour recognises individuals who have used their professional skills to serve the church.
He said the award was both “an honour and a privilege”.
“Currently I have the best job in the world, but that’s not to say it’s the easiest, and I am so grateful for all the support I’ve had in the role.”
Sean Rahilly, who was an executive with the Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation and now serves on the board of Charingfield Aged Care, echoed Mr Digges’ surprise at becoming a knight of St Sylvester.
“I’m incredibly humbled to be here and to be presented with this honour,” he said.
Renee Kohler-Ryan was made a dame of the Order of Pope St Gregory the Great, an award recognising personal service to the Holy See.
Dr Kohler-Ryan said the award shows how one’s vocation in life can be professional work.
“Since I’ve been a kid, I’ve always wanted to read and think through things and argue about topics,” she said. “It’s great to be in the 21st century when you can be a layman and actually carry that out as a vocation. I don’t ever take that for granted.”
Mary Anne Carroll OAM, the president of The Compassionate Friends, an Anglican-founded outreach that provides peer support to bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents after the loss of a child, received the Croce Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (Cross for the Church and the Pope), an award for distinguished service by laypeople or clergy.
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Four Sydneysiders awarded papal honours (By Alex Woolnough, The Catholic Weekly)
