Six Christchurch Women Awarded for long service to the Church in this Diocese
by Elizabeth Ong - Tribunal of the Catholic Church for New Zealand
On 24 November, six women in our diocese were presented with the Benemerenti Medal Award by Bishop Michael Gielen and Msgr Brendan Daly. This papal award is made in recognition of their cherished years of service to the life of the Catholic Church. The award recipients are Mrs Pat Beck, Mrs Nell Pascoe, Mrs Stephanie Butchard, Mrs Maureen Williams, Mrs Marie-Therese McRae, and Mrs Sharon Henshaw.
The Benemerenti Medal is awarded by the Pope to members of the laity, religious, and clergy for services to the Catholic Church. It is usually presented to individuals who have done something significant for the faith, contributed decades of voluntary service or innumerable number of hours towards enriching particular areas of the Church. The Church appreciates and is thankful
to all individuals who give of their time and energy so willingly, especially in this circumstance. These six award recipients, who have voluntarily served or have been called to lead in the areas in the life of their own particular parish, for their parish community, and community in general and for their long service to the ministry of the Tribunal of the Catholic Church for New Zealand in the Diocese of Christchurch.
As a community, it is a most happy occasion to celebrate and appreciate the spirit of generosity and love for the Church, expressed through so many years of dedicated service towards her mission in various areas of parish, community, and Tribunal life. Congratulations to all Benemerenti Award recipients. May God’s blessing always be upon you and your families.
