The Benemerenti Medal
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.
Most Rev. Dr. James
Moriarty D.D, Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin
presented Mrs. Jenny Cummins & Mrs Tess Blanche
with their well deserved Bene Merenti medals
at 11.00 am Mass on Sunday 23rd November 2008.
Jenny Cummins, Chapel Lane, Ballon is awarded the Bene Merenti medal by Most Rev. Dr. James Moriarty D.D, Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin on Sunday 23/11/08 in Ballon Church.
Jenny served as Sacristan for thirteen years taking the keys of the church in 1988 when the original Bull Tree was chopped down.
Jenny, aged 74, joined the church choir when she was just ten years old and remained a stalwart supporter up to three years ago.
Tess Blanche, Ballinadrum, Ballon is awarded the Bene Merenti medal by Most Rev. Dr. James Moriarty D.D, Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin on Sunday 23/11/08 in Ballon Church.
Tess, aged 85, has been very active in church matters and joined the choir when she was just seven years old and gave a record breaking service of 76 years.
Tess was an early
member of the Apostolic Work Society and
still continues
with this good work and fundraising.
She was also a founder member of The Evergreens, now the Senior Citizens.
Seen here with Fr. Howard PP, Most Rev. Dr. James Moriarty D.D, and Fr. Whelan (retired)
Jenny with some of her family.
Tess with some of her family
and the servers on the day with Sacristan Kathleen Condron
This
was a special day for the parish as well as for Jenny and Tess.
The Bishop gave an amusing but pointed note on how so few
people actually got on and contributed to society.
And how so many agreed on what should
be done within the society.
The medals are a way of saying thank you to the doers.
The
church choir, which is re-establishing itsel,f put on a great performance
with three part melody and plenty of volume.
See their update Here.
Practically
the whole congregation gave their congratulations to the pair
accompanied by a great round of applause.
Be proud Ballon, you deserve it.