Harrow parishioner awarded Benemerenti Medal

Ellen and Gerry Teague after the award ceremony

Gerry Teague was awarded the Benemerenti Medal at his parish of St Joseph's, Wealdstone, Westminster Diocese on 13 July. Family and friends saw him being given the papal medal by parish priest Fr Thomas Malal SDS.

In his supporting statement, Fr Malal focused on Gerry's contribution to parish life for more than four decades - including as a Eucharistic Minister and in the Music Ministry, including special Masses such as Confirmations and special Advent and Easter Peace services. During the two years of Covid, Gerry was a parish volunteer, stewarding at Masses each weekend and overseeing numbers at Mass and seating in the church. He helped plan a strategy for coping during this period. Fr Malal described Gerry's contribution to the Church as "outstanding and has been consistent throughout his life."

Originally from the Isle of Wight, Gerry worked in East, Central and West Africa for five years in the 1970s and 80s as a volunteer engineer with the Volunteer Missionary Movement. Then based back in England at the Catholic Radio and Television Centre at Hatch End he met his wife Ellen. They now have three children and two grandchildren.

While working in the media business in central London as a communications engineer, he also visited and supported media projects in many African countries with UNDA, the international Catholic media organisation, based in Brussels. Gerry worked on projects for many charities and agencies in the 1980s and 90s - particularly addressing communications issues during the famine crises in parts of Africa - including CAFOD, Christian Aid, Oxfam, Save the Children and UNESCO. He used to run regular half marathons to raise funds for charities.

Gerry has been a regular helper with HCPT since 1971, currently being a Deputy Leader with HCPT Group 144. He works on fund-raising, risk assessment, training, transportation and support for children and their families who enjoy the Easter pilgrimage holidays to Lourdes. He has also been involved with other local charities, including outreach to homeless adults and vulnerable people with disabilities. He regularly gives IT training at his local health centre, which started with support for patients to access NHS online services during Covid. He has been a regular vaccination volunteer since that time.

For many years Gerry supported the development of a Catholic charity in Pinner - St Vincent's Nursing Home - particularly its IT framework. He worked closely with Jacquie Scott who herself was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal in 2023.