Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

BRIDGEPORT—“Don’t underestimate an act of kindness in the name of Christ and what it can do for wounded and broken hearts—even raise them from the dead,” Bishop Frank J. Caggiano told the 110 St. Augustine Medal of Service recipients who gathered at St. Augustine Cathedral on Saturday.

The bishop said that no matter how broken a heart is, it can be filled with new life through the love of Christ that the medal recipients and people of faith bring to those who are suffering and in need.

The honorees were recognized for their volunteer service to parishes, schools and charities throughout Fairfield County. Among them were many married couples and individuals of all ages honored for a their service.

Friends and families of the honorees filled the Cathedral with a spirit of joy and happiness as the recipients were called forward to receive the medal and have their photo taken with Bishop Caggiano. They broke into warm and spirited applause at the end of the ceremony.

The Bishop conferred the medals in two separate services in order to safeguard recipients as the pandemic continues. Last years’ service was cancelled because of the surge in Covid infections and hospitalizations.

After an introductory hymn, the chanting of the psalms, and a reading, the bishop began his homily by noting that the conferring of a medal or medallion in the ancient world was a much coveted honor that brought power, prestige and possessions. But for Christians, he said it’s a sign of something beyond earthy treasure.

“We are about something very different here. In faith we have baptized this honor, so that we can serve the Lord. We are recognizing a very different life,” said the bishop as he spoke from the center aisle of the Cathedral.

“You have not sought privilege or prestige. You have served quietly in ordinary ways, and given countless moments. You are not interested in the limelight. You do it in the name of one who said, “I have not come to be served, but to serve.”

Following his homily the bishop blessed the medals, which were displayed in bright red cases in front of the altar. On one side of the medal is an image of St. Augustine of Hippo, patron saint of the diocese. The reverse features the coat of arms of the diocese.

“My brothers and sisters in Christ, we are here today to confer the Saint Augustine Medal of Service upon those men and women who have been recognized by their pastors and parishes as having demonstrated a profound level of dedication to Christ and to his Church as evidenced in their extraordinary level of service,” the bishop said.

“Send down your blessings on these your servants who so generously devote themselves to helping others and upon the medals which recognize the sacrificial work they have accomplished in service to their parishes, schools and to various charitable works across the diocese,” he prayed.

Photos by Amy Mortensen and Brian D. Wallace

As Al Barber, retired Catholic Charities executive, called the recipients forward, the bishop took time to personally thank each recipient.

“It is my honor to give you this medal. Wear it as a sign and symbol of one whom you’ve pledged your allegiance, one you know and love and serve. Wear this medal with dignity and pride that comes from the Lord, whose hands and feet and voice you are in the world,” he said.

Many recipients were accompanied by their pastors and parish priests, who took the time from their busy weekend schedules to support their parishioners.

The bishop said the St. Augustine medals represent the influence that can only be found in humbly serving others rather than seeking to dominate or control.

“The only power that will endure is love. Power that seeks, and grasps and tries to dominate ends in nothing. And you have loved in quiet, simple and gentle ways. Do not underestimate the influence you have had on the countless lives you’ve touched by the ministry and service you give.

During the prayer service the bishop was assisted by Fr. Peter Lenox, Episcopal Vicar for Liturgy and Worship, and by Deacon Patrick Toole, the diocesan Episcopal delegate for Administration, who delivered the reading from Galatians (5:25-6:10).

“If we live in the Spirit let us follow the Spirit. If a person is caught in some transgression, you who are spiritual should correct that one in gentle spirit, looking to yourselves, so that you also may not be tempted… Let us not grow tired of doing good.”

Just before the final blessing the bishop again expressed his gratitude to St. Augustine Medal recipients and thanked them for helping to renew the Church in “a complex and often cruel world.”

“As we come out of the pandemic, you bring renewal and help to rebuild our Church one living stone at a time… The great treasure in your heart is the sign of who you serve– not Caesar, but Christ,” the bishop said.

He told the recipients that he prayed that at the end of their faith journey, they will be invited to their place in the Kingdom of Heaven.

The bishop also extended his thanks to the Fr. Gabriel Acosta, rector and pastor of the Cathedral Parish, for hosting the award ceremony, to all the priests who attended, and to Debbie Charles, administrative assistant, who coordinated the event.

Susan Baldwin, a member of the diocese administrative staff delivered the reading for the second session. Music for the midday prayer service was provided by Liturgical Musicians Paul Murray Music Director and Organist, and Will Berman, Cantor.

The St. Augustine Medal of Service was instituted in 2005 to recognize the “unsung heroes” who unselfishly give of their time and talents to build up parish communities and in Diocesan ministries.

November 6, 2021 – Saint Augustine Medal Honorees – 11:00 AM Ceremony

November 6, 2021 – Saint Augustine Medal Honorees – 1:30 PM Ceremony