In Pictures: Benemerenti Medal Papal honour bestowed on Bridie Kelly

At a special Mass in St Mary’s Church, Frosses, parishioner Bridie Kelly was honoured with the Benemerenti Medal. Click on the arrows to see Colm Kelly's photos of the presentation.

This is a Papal honour which is bestowed in recognition of long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church. 

Fr James Sweeney along with Fr Eamonn Kelly, Fr Rory Brady and Fr Seamus Dagens  concelebrated Mass on Friday evening, July 19. Fr Sweeney presented Bridie with her medal in recognition of her great work for the Church and community over the years.

Following Mass, there was a gathering in the local community hall with tea, scones and plenty of reminiscing.

Benemerenti Medal

The word Benemerenti translates as ‘good merit’ and this medal is bestowed by the Pope upon members of the clergy or laity. 

It dates back to Pope Pius VI (1775 - 1799) as a military honour for soldiers in the Papal Army.  

In 1831 under Pope Gregory XVI (1831 - 1846), a special Benemerenti Medal was created to honour Papal Army soldiers who demonstrated valour in battles in Ferrara, Bologna and Vienna. 

Its scope was expanded in 1925 to include people serving the Catholic Church in any way.

The current design of the medal was crafted under Pope Paul VI (1963-1978) and features a gold Greek Cross portraying Christ with his hand raised in blessing.

It also features the Papal emblem, as well as the coat of arms of the incumbent Pope, and a ribbon in the Papal colours of yellow and white.