Broken Bay Diocese has celebrated its 40th anniversary at a dinner, where six papal awards were conferred by Pope Leo XIV and 26 diocesan medals were presented by Archbishop Anthony Randazzo.
One Papal honour included the Pontifical Equestrian Order of Saint Sylvester, Pope and Martyr.
Anne Duncan was invested as a Dame of the Order of Saint Sylvester for her commitment, leadership, and faith demonstrated by four decades of service to Catholic education with the diocese.
In that time, Ms Duncan served as a classroom teacher, religious education coordinator, assistant principal, principal and later taking on a leadership role with Catholic Schools Broken Bay.
Now enjoying retirement, Ms Duncan has guided thousands of students, supported countless families, mentored staff and made a profound contribution to the development and strengthening of Catholic identity and learning across the diocese.
Two members of the clergy – Fr Henry (Harry) Kennedy and Fr John Hill – received the Croce pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (Cross for the Church and the Pope) for more than 60 years of ministry and distinguished service to the Church and Pope.
There were four recipients of the Benemerenti Medal, originally instituted by Pope Pius VI and awarded to both clergy and laity in recognition of their service to the Church.
Louise Spencer from the Cathedral parish of Hornsby received the papal honour for 30 years of dedicated service; Brendan Tertini, Yvonne Corpuz and Anthony Seeto from the Chatswood parish received the papal honour for personal service over many years in a variety of ministries.
The Diocesan Medal was awarded to 14 parishioners for more than 40 years of service to the Ministry of Special Religious Education and to another 12 parishioners who have faithfully served the Church through a variety of ministries, generously offering their time and talents.
The celebration was one of Archbishop Randazzo’s last events before he leaves for the Holy See and his new role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts.
“Very soon I will be in Rome but be assured I will carry all the good people of this diocese in my heart always,” Archbishop Randazzo said.
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Broken Bay celebrates 40 years, farewells Archbishop Anthony Randazzo (Broken Bay Diocese)
