MANILA (UCAN): The Diocese of Balanga, Luzon, the Philippines, announced that the Pro Ecclesiae et Pro Pontifice papal award was conferred by the Vatican on four people from the diocese while another was made a member of the Order of Saint Sylvester for their “distinguished service” to the Catholic Church and its mission apostolates.
Bishop Ruperto Santos said on August 18 that the awards were a relief in difficult times as service could still be given to God’s people despite the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic.
“In spite of our hardships and sufferings because of this uncertainty and unprecedented Covid-19, we still experience God’s graces and his goodness,” said Bishop Santos in the announcement.
The bishop said that Digna Calina, Maria Basilia Garcia, Sonia Rufin and Leticia Vizcayno received the Pro Ecclesiae et Pro Pontifice award while Victor Quezon was received into Order of Saint Sylvester.
The Pro Ecclesiae et Pro Pontifice bestowed by the Holy See on laypeople who have rendered exemplary service to the Catholic Church. The award is also known as the Cross of Honour or Decoration of Honour and was instituted by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 to commemorate his 50th year as a priest.
The Order of Saint Sylvester is one of the five orders of knighthood in the Catholic Church awarded by the pope to laypeople actively involved in the Church’s mission, particularly in the exercise of one’s profession and mastership in the arts.
Both awards are normally recommended by diocesan bishops or apostolic nuncios and granted on the endorsement by the papal secretary of state.
Bishop Santos said the awards were not “merely recognition” but a call for further duty to God and his people.
“It is a gift of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. We glorify and praise our almighty God for these Heavenly favours. We are very grateful to our Supreme Pontiff,” the bishop added.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Bishop Santos said the papal awards must “sow hope” among churchgoers to inspire all to offer time, talent or expertise in the service of the Church.
“The Church is the people of God. God has given us many talents and gifts. More than our material or financial resources, we can offer them in helping many apostolates and missions of the Church, especially to the poor and the marginalised,” the bishop said.
“This is indeed a huge inspiration for us to share God’s immense goodness; encouragement that amidst this dangerous and devastating time of Covid-19, God is with us and working marvelous things for us. With God, we will surpass this pandemic. God will give us also his gift of healing. Let us then bless the Lord at all times,” he said.
