Benemerenti Medal

Benemerenti Medal
Obverse and reverse of the medal
Awarded by His Holiness the Pope
Country	Vatican City
Eligibility	Clergy and laity
Awarded for	Long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church
Status	Currently awarded
Statistics
Established	1832
Precedence
Next (higher)	Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice
Next (lower)	Papal Lateran Cross Jerusalem Pilgrim's Cross
Ribbon of the medal

The Benemerenti Medal is an honour awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church. 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.

The current version of the Benemerenti Medal was designed by Pope Paul VI. The medal is a gold Greek Cross depicting Christ with his hand raised in blessing. On the left arm of the cross is the tiara and crossed keys symbol of the papacy. On the right arm is the coat of arms of the current Pope. The medal is suspended from a yellow and white ribbon, the colors of the Papacy.

The spokesman for the Diocese Father Edward Magee said: "This is recognition for the tremendous work and service that Sheila has given to both the church and the local community." The service also celebrated the golden jubilee of the ordination of Bishop Anthony Farquhar.

Leading the liturgy group on a Saturday evening and also preparing young people for their holy communion for over 20 years.

Being sacristan, counsellor and friend for over 50 years