BRIDGEPORT—The Most Rev. Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport, will confer Pontifical Honors granted by His Holiness Pope Francis on twenty lay faithful of the diocese during a Vespers Prayer Service set for Saturday, September 29th at 4 pm in St. Augustine Cathedral, 359 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport.
“The Papal Honors are a recognition of these individuals and a celebration of the entire diocese. The recipients are role models and they are joined in their generosity by so many others throughout the diocese who give sacrificially in faith. Through these honors, the Holy Father recognizes the good work going on in the diocese. This is also an opportunity to celebrate all donors and those who serve the Church,” the bishop said.
Bishop Caggiano said that several months ago he personally wrote to the Holy See in order to request that Pope Francis bestow these honors on those “who have distinguished themselves by their faith, wise counsel, and generous support of the mission of the Church .”
Ten faithful will be inducted into the Order of Saint Gregory the Great, and ten will be inducted into the Order of Pope Saint Sylvester.
The Order of Saint Gregory was instituted on September 1, 1831 by Pope Gregory XVI in honor of his predecessor Pope Saint Gregory the Great. The honor is bestowed upon lay faithful in recognition of their personal service through their unusual labors and their excellent example set forth in their communities and their countries.
Instituted by Pope Pius X on October 31, 1841, the Order of Pope Saint Sylvester was founded to recognize those lay faithful who are actively involved in the life of the church, particularly as it is exemplified in the exercise of their professional duties.
Those to be inducted into the Order of Saint Gregory the Great are: Mr. Rocco Cingari; Mr. George Landegger; Mr. Frank Martire; Mrs. Marisa Martire; Mr. Thomas McInerney; Mrs. Paula McInerney; Mr. Denis Nayden; Mrs. Britta Nayden; Mr. Paul Queally; Mrs. Anne Marie Queally.
Those to be inducted into the Order of Pope Saint Sylvester are: Mr. Lawrence Bossidy; Mrs. Nancy Bossidy; Mr. Salvatore Cingari, Jr.; Mrs. Catherine Cingari, Jr.; Mr. Thomas O’Malley; Mrs. Mary Alice O’Malley; Mr. Joseph Roxe; Mrs. Maureen Roxe; Mr. Brian Young; Mrs. Anne Young.
A reception will immediately follow the Vespers Prayer Service. The public is invited and all priests, deacons, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Bridgeport are encouraged to attend.
