Kilkenny priest awarded prestigious Benemerenti Medal
Congratulations to Fr Pat Dalton who was presented with the Benemerenti Medal by Bishop Niall Coll in the parish church, Gowran last Friday night.
Family, parishioners, colleagues from Diocesan Primary Education group and friends gathered in support of their pastor. It was a lovely ceremony and one befitting a true priest of the people.
Organised by Gowran Pastoral Council, all sections of parish life were included in the readings, Prayers of Faithful and Offertory Procession.
Bishop Niall thanked Fr Dalton for his unique service to the diocese as Diocesan Education Secretary (primary) for 32 years, 1989/2021.
Singers and musicans from Dungarvan and Gowran churches sang during the mass. Refreshments were served in Gowran Parish Hall after the mass.
The Benemerenti Medal is a medal awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church.
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.