Pope Leo bestows special honour on long-serving volunteers

Source: CAFOD

Volunteers from across the nation have been awarded a special honour from Pope Leo. The accolade - a papal blessing - is in recognition of their unwavering commitment to their communities for over 25 years.

Hailing from various parts of England and Wales, the recipients have been honoured for their diverse contributions across a range of activities such as organising Lent and Harvest appeals, hosting community events, raising money for those in need overseas, and campaigning on issues such as climate change and debt justice.

Among the honourees were husband and wife John, 93, and Maureen Mulholland, 87. The couple - from Altrincham in Trafford, Greater Manchester, have volunteered, fundraised, and campaigned for the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) since 1980. They will receive a papal blessing along with six other volunteers from the parish CAFOD group, which last year had its 45th anniversary.

John felt honoured to receive the blessing: "We were surprised and embarrassed to learn that we were to receive these papal blessings. That is because we never dreamt of receiving such an honour and because what was achieved in St Vincent's parish was through a group effort, and thanks to the support of successive parish priests and the generosity of parishioners."

"We expected no reward, like others in our close-knit CAFOD group, other than knowing that we were providing practical help for some of the poorest in the world and doing so in response to Christ's teaching. However, we feel both humble and honoured and are very grateful to receive our papal blessings."

Local CAFOD Rep, Kathryn Keenan, presented the award: "John and Maureen's support for CAFOD, along with all the members of the St Vincent's CAFOD group past and present, is truly inspiring.

"Their decades of dedication to fundraising, campaigning and prayer for CAFOD's work, guided by their faith, has impacted countless lives and given hope and practical support to communities overseas. I would also like to thank Canon Jonathan Brandon, St Vincent's parish priest and his parishioners for their incredible support and generosity over the years."

Christine Allen, CAFOD Director and CEO, said: "It's such an honour for anyone to receive Pope Leo's blessing and this highlights the significant role that volunteers play in strengthening communities and building a better world. Our volunteers continue to inspire all of us through their service. Their example reminds us of the importance of working for the common good."

CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas International, working with communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice, including those worst hit by climate change. The agency works with people in need, regardless of race, gender, religion or nationality. Find out more: www.cafod.org.uk