Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

BRIDGEPORT—The 39 men and women who received Papal Honors on December 3, were recognized not simply for what they’ve done for the Church but for who they are, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano said before conferring the Papal Medals at St. Augustine Cathedral.

During the evening of Solemn Pontifical Vespers the bishop described the honorees as “ambassadors of renewal and catalysts of hope” chosen to be honored by Pope Francis for their extraordinary witness, deep generosity and authentic faith.

“You may be tempted to believe that you are here solely because of the good works that you have done. And that is in fact one reason. But it is not the most important reason.  You are here because you have lived a life that demonstrates that a person can rejoice in the Lord and make a difference in the lives of those who face challenge and suffering, day in and day out,” said Bishop Caggiano.

The medal recipients along with family and friends and other faithful gathered for the service, which included the chanting of psalms,  traditional hymns and other music by the Diocesan Choir.  Family photos with the bishop were taken before and after the service as people came forward in joy and gratitude to celebrate the honor.

During the Vespers Prayer Service, the Bishop conferred Benemerenti Medals and Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross Medals on those who have served the diocese as donors, board members, and Catholic Center staff.

As he blessed the medals on a table before the altar, the Bishop prayed, “Bless these insignia and those who will receive them. Renew within these men and women the gifts of your Spirit that they may continue to serve your Church in strength of will and sincerity of heart. “

In his homily, he reflected on a letter from Paul to the Philippians (4:4-7) “Brothers and Sisters rejoice in the Lord always…”  The bishop said those words from Paul were remarkable because he had suffered much after being shipwrecked, imprisoned, and having his life threatened because of his faith in Jesus.

The bishop said that the honorees, who serve the diocese and its people in a variety of ways, were chosen because they have not forgotten or overlooked the suffering of others.

“You yourselves have been no stranger to challenges in your own lives, but you also clearly see the challenges of our sisters and brothers, those who are poor, those who are homeless, those who are sick, those who are young, seeking an education to be formed in the mind of Christ.”

Photos by Owen Bonaventura

He described the men and women as individuals and couples who “walk quietly and generously in your life making a difference in so many unassuming ways for those who are facing such profound challenge. Many when they see such challenge walk away, but you did not.”

He concluded by describing the men and women as agents of renewal who draw others to the Church through their authentic witness.

“You are my greatest and most important colleagues to continue the renewal of the church, because the renewal of the church will not be any grand program, any grand initiative. There’s none of that. All those days are over. The renewal of the church is going to be one person of authentic life touching the life of someone else. And when we touch one after another, after another, we begin to create a tsunami of renewal.”

The last time Papal Honors were conferred was in September 2018, when ten faithful were inducted into the Order of Saint Gregory the Great, and ten were inducted into the Order of Pope Saint Sylvester.

Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross Medals are bestowed on individuals who have merited special recognition by the Holy See.  The Medal, gold in color, is a Pontifical decoration conferred by the Pope on those faithful who have provided a distinguished level of service for both the universal Church and its head which deserve special recognition by him for their labors, and for their fidelity to and love of the Church. The obverse side of the medal depicts Sts. Peter and Paul in its center.

Benemerenti Medals are bestowed on individuals who have merited special recognition by the Holy See. This Medal is a Pontifical decoration conferred on recipients for distinguished service to Catholic principles, the Church and society, who have shown an active fidelity to and love for the Church. The medal is a Greek Cross, gold in color, depicting Jesus Christ with his hand raised in blessing

Papal Honors Recipients: