Papal honours for Surrey parishioners

L-R: Mary Guinan-Casey, John Looby, Mick Moore, Mary Holloway, Mgr Madders Pictures by Lindsay Williams.

Mgr Richard Madders, parish priest at Camberley & Bagshot churches in Surrey, Arundel Brighton Diocese, said a prayer, crossed his fingers and hoped when he made an application not just for one but for four Bene Merenti medals to be awarded in the parish.

The whole parish was delighted when the Holy Father bestowed the papal honour on Mr Mick Moore, Mrs Mary Guinan-Casey, Mrs Mary Holloway and Mr John Looby. The awarding of four medals at one go in a single parish (though three communities) is probably something of a record, but Fr Richard in his citation mentioned how very well deserved they were and that in a sense they also marked an appreciation to spouses and the parish teams working alongside the recipients.

The Bene Merenti is a Pontifical decoration begun by Pope Gregory XVI in 1852 and conferred in recognition of distinguished service of the Church. The medal has BENEMERENTI surrounded by a crown of oak leaves engraved on its face side. They are worn on the breast, supported by ribbons in the papal colours.



Source: Arundel & Brighton Diocese