Three parishioners receive papal award

Originally established as an award to soldiers in the Papal Army, the medal was later extended to the clergy and the laity for service to the church.

The Benemerenti Medal was first awarded by Pope Pius VI (1775–1799) to recognize military merit. In 1831 under Pope Gregory XVI (1831–1846) a special Benemerenti medal was struck to reward those who fought courageously in the papal army at Ferrara, Bologna, and Vienna.

In 1925, the concept of awarding this medal as a mark of recognition to persons in service of the Church, both civil and military, lay and clergy alike, became acceptable. Members of the Swiss Guard may receive it for three years of faithful service.

Ewan O’Flynn was for many years the sacristan of St Mary’s.

His late wife Joan was well known through her writings and her involvement with the Lucan Newsletter, she also contributed a great deal to the liturgical life of the parish. Ewan’s organising skills meant that anything he was involved in was done to a very high standard.

Billy Birnie is the second member of his family to receive the Benemerenti, his late brother Laddie was the recipient some years ago.

Billy and his late wife Nancy have played a huge role in the life of St Mary’s through the years and thanks to them the new generation of the family continues that tradition.

Billy himself has been involved for very many years and his practical and inventive skills have been a Godsend through those years.

Don McDonald has been a volunteer sacristan for many years.

After the death of his late wife Riet he was invited by Fr Philip Bradley to assist in the church and has been most generous and obliging in his work through those years.

Don was asked some years ago to take part in a passion play on Holy Week, and what was to be a silent role turned into a speaking and singing part which ensured his membership of the Folk Group to this day.