Catholic Women's League of Saskatchewan

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PAPAL HONOURS GIVEN TO FOUR CWL WOMEN IN THE REGINA ARCHDIOCESE


On Tuesday January 5, 2010 four Catholic Women’s League members were conferred Papal Honours by Most Rev. Daniel Bohan Archbishop of Regina at Holy Rosary Cathedral. These medals were presented during Vespers/Evening Prayer service. A reception followed the service and awards.


The Holy Cross Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice is an award of the Roman Catholic Church. The English translation of Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice is “For Church and Pope”, and is also known as the “Cross of Honour”. The medal was established by Leo XIII on July 17, 1888 to commemorate his golden sacerdotal jubilee and was originally bestowed on those women and men who had aided and promoted the jubilee, and by other means assisted in making the jubilee and the Vatican Exposition successful. It is currently given for distinguished service to the church by lay people and clergy.


Before the medals were presented to each of the recipients, a list of their accomplishments and their work in the church and community was read.


As His Grace presented the medals individually to Vivian Bosch of Sacred Heart parish Swift current and Velma Harasen, St. Martins Regina, he said “Receive this Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal. This medal is for your special work in the Archdiocese of Regina. May you continue to serve the Church with generosity and love.


The Benemerenti Medal was instituted by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832 and is conferred on those who have exhibited long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church, their families and community. It has the word benemerenti [to a well deserving person] on its face, surrounded by a crown of oak leaves; the ribbon is made of Papal colors.


In 1925, the concept of awarding this medal as a mark of recognition to persons in service of the church, both civil and military, lay and clergy alike, became acceptable.


Again before the medals were presented to each of the recipients a list of their accomplishments and their work in the church and community was read.


As his Grace presented the medals individually to Mary Holash of St. Martins parish Regina and Penny Malone of Christ the King parish also in Regina he said “This medal is for your special work in the Archdiocese of Regina. May you continue to serve the Church with generosity and love.


These four women are very worthy recipients.

At this conferral of Papal Honours there were other non CWL recipients that received this honour as well. For our CWL website we wanted to highlight these special members


Submitted by Marlene Schnell Provincial Community Life Chairperson