Broken Bay Diocese has recognised more than five centuries of cumulative service at its inaugural awards celebration. Source: Broken Bay News.
Eleven award recipients have been recognised for each dedicating decades of service to the Church and the diocese.
The awards included eight papal awards and three inaugural Diocesan Medals.
The recipients, accompanied by family and friends, included priests, a Dominican Sister, and parishioners. They were honoured at a dinner and presentation on the vigil of the Patroness of the Diocese, Mary, Star of the Sea.
Bishop Anthony Randazzo invested four parishioners as a Knight of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great, and one Dame of the Order of Saint Sylvester. This is in recognition to personal service to the Holy See and Church but also the examples they set in their communities.
Two retired priests and a Dominican Sister, a champion for the disabled despite her own vision and hearing impairment, were awarded the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. This medal was established by Pope Leo XIII and is conferred for distinguished service to the Church by lay people and clergy.
Three parishioners were awarded the inaugural Diocesan Medal for service and commitment to the mission of the diocese.
In addressing the gathering, Bishop Randazzo said the evening was “more than a ceremony”.
”The individuals here tonight are being recognised for living their Christian lives as luminous beacons of hope and service,” he said.
“They have allowed their faith to guide their actions and their actions to reveal their faith.”
Award Recipients:
Knight of the Order of St Gregory the Great: John Donnelly, Barry Finch, Alan Henson and Michael Slattery
Dame of the Order of Saint Sylvester: Gina Marshall
Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice: Fr Robert Brogan, Fr William (Terry) Johns, Sr Helen Merrin,
Diocesan Medal: Libby McManus, Elizabeth Brown and Sundai Sloane .
FULL STORY
Five centuries of service recognised in the Diocese of Broken Bay (Broken Bay News)
