Pope recognizes their service to the Church
The B.C. Catholic
Twenty-one people received papal awards for their work in spreading Christ’s mercy to the community.
“The Lord has gathered us today to celebrate … the recognition of the 21 men and women whom Pope Francis has honoured for their lives of mercy in service to the Church and society,” said Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB during the service in Holy Rosary Cathedral Nov. 13. “We give thanks to the Lord for raising up among us exemplary men and women devoted to living mercy.”
Five of the attendees received the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, which is the highest recognition lay people can receive from the Pope. The other 16 people received the Benemerenti Medal for their “significant service” to the Church and society.
“All of (the recipients) assure us that mercy isn’t just a word we toss around, an abstraction,” Archbishop Miller said. “Mercy is a way of life.” He gave each individual their award, which included a certificate, in front of a completely packed cathedral.
“All our friends and family are more excited than we are,” laughed Evelyn Barcelon. “So many of them came!”
Evelyn and with her husband Deacon Greg received the Benemerenti Medal for their work in both local and international evangelization, having started overseas missions in the Philippines and Australia.
She viewed the award as a sign of God’s presence in their work. “There’s more to come; God’s will be done. We look forward to whatever happens in the future.”
Thomas O’Flynn, a recipient of the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, was shocked to be an honouree. “I didn’t expect it,” he chuckled. O’Flynn has spent more than 60 years serving the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the local Irish community.
“He’s a tireless worker and a humble man,” said Doctor Macintosh, a family friend. “He’s helped out many families, and spent so many years going unacknowledged. He’s a very amazing man.”
O’Flynn continues to remain active in the society as a member of the Central Council, and has had his name inscribed on the Ireland Canada Monument, which recognizes significant Irish contributions to Canada. “It’s a great honour,” he added.
“These men and women live mercy,” Archbishop Miller said. “How? By feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, in our very own Downtown Eastside. But they also aid those in many other countries by helping refugees, protecting the unborn, and reaching out to those naked and stripped of their dignity by abuse or prostitution.”
“They see that the sick are cared for and the imprisoned, and that their families are visited and helped. They live mercy by educating the young in their faith and helping the poor, the marginalized.”
The archbishop took a moment to thank those who help the recipients with their various ministries and deeds. “Each honouree knows that his or her works are done through the Lord, and are only possible with the cooperation of others,” he said.
“In this sense we are not just honouring a few, though outstanding, individuals. We’re really honouring a vast number of faithful in the Archdiocese of Vancouver.”
Maureen Donegan, a recipient of the Benemerenti Medal, made the same point. She was honoured for her role in leading Catholic Charities Justice Services, also known as the Prison Ministry.
“I just feel (the award) is a tribute to the prison volunteers,” said Donegan. “At first I was very embarrassed, but as time went on, I saw it more as an award for all the volunteers, rather than specifically me.”
The Prison Ministry has grown in 14 years under her leadership from four volunteers to more than 200. Donegan was grateful to the volunteers, many of whom were at the award ceremony. “They make the prison ministry possible.”
“The call of the Jubilee Year is to be merciful, just like our Father,” Archbishop Miller said. “That call has long been taken up by the recipients. Behind them, they all have a lifetime of aiding those with material and spiritual hardship.”
