Holycross Abbey's Pat McGrath is honoured with Benemerenti Medal from Pope Francis
Holycross Abbey has hosted many special celebrations down through its history but few could match the appropriateness of the recent celebration in honour of retired Sacristan Pat McGrath who was awarded special recognition by Pope Francis.
Pat, of Cormackstown, Holycross had been central to each and every celebration in the ancient and historic Abbey for more than forty years and his faithful commitment and dedication to the parish has been acknowledged and recognised by so many down through the decades – especially by members of the clergy who always appreciated Pat’s assistance.
However, to be acknowledged by Pope Francis and awarded a Benemerenti Medal was indeed special and the gathering in Holycross Abbey and afterwards in St Michael’s Community Centre were thrilled that Pat’s contribution had been rewarded.
Originally established as an award for soldiers in the Papal Army, it is now a civil decoration but may still be awarded to members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
The current version of the Benemerenti medal which Pat received from Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly on behalf of Pope Francis, was designed by Pope Paul VI.
The medal is a gold Greek Cross depicting Christ with his hand raised in blessing. On the left arm of the cross is the tiara and crossed keys symbol of the papacy.
On the right arm is the coat of arms of the current Pope. The medal is suspended from a yellow and white ribbon, the colours of the Papacy.
The medal, which Pat treasures, will have pride of place in his home – or rather his second home, as Holycross Abbey was almost regarded as his home throughout his extraordinary years of service.
There is a hardly a nook or cranny of Holycross Abbey which Pat does not know like the back of his hand.
Any time there was a problem in the building, Pat knew exactly where the services were or which switch would do whatever was required. That kind of knowledge has proven invaluable over the years and Pat took enormous pride in the Abbey which welcomes thousands of visitors each and every year.
Of course the special celebrations in the Abbey such as the Padre Pio ceremonies, the annual Novena to Our Lady or Perpetual Help, First Communions, Confirmations etc always result in the Sacristy team going above and beyond to ensure that everything would be in readiness.
And, the Abbey has always been very popular for couples getting married too which results in more hours being expended to ensure that the place is spic and span.
Pat McGrath would oversee this work while also ensuring that the grounds of the Abbey and the Padre Pio Gardens were always very presentable. With Pat there was never any drama and whatever had to be done, would be done.
Speaking of drama, Pat’s work with Holycross Ballycahill Drama Group has been acknowledged on a national level and his love and knowledge of the stage is second to none.
He has been central to the group for many years using his directing skills to bring incredible productions on stage for the audiences.
When news of the Benemerenti medal became known in Holycross Ballycahill parish, there was great joy amongst parishioners and all those who know and respect Pat McGrath. Why? Because everybody knew how much this medal would mean to him. Pat is a man of faith and to be acknowledged by the Holy Father is indeed an incredible honour and something he is very proud of.
Family members gathered to be with Pat on the day – his brother Liam is a renowned member of the choir in Holycross Abbey – and they were rightly proud of Pat as he was feted and celebrated by Archbishop Kieran, Archbishop Emeritus Dermot Clifford, Rev Fr Celsus Tierney, PP Holycross and Ballycahill, and Rev Fr James Purcell, PP, Thurles and a native of Ballycahill.
Pat is pictured with family and friends at the celebration, and also receiving his Benemerenti Medal from Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly. He is also pictured withFr Purcell, Archbishop Kieran, Archbishop Dermot Clifford and Fr Celsus Tierney.