Papal medal awarded to beloved local organist
The Benemerenti Meadal was presented to Mae Mc Grath for her services to the choir at Ballybricken Churc, Mae is pictured here with members of the choir and her sister Winnie. Photo: Joe Evans
There were scenes of great joy and celebration in Waterford recently when one local woman was presented with the prestigious Benemerenti Medal.
The Papal medal was presented to Mae McGrath by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan in recognition of her services to the choir in Ballybricken Church as the organist since the early 1970s, who noted the importance of the contribution of the laity to the church.
“We gather this morning to honour a special person who today will receive the Papal Benemerenti Medal from Bishop Cullinan, and that special person is our Organist Mae McGrath, who's sitting up there with her huge choir this morning,” said the Parish Priest Fr Tom Rogers joking that the parish’s much-loved organist would have to be “dragged kicking and screaming down from the organ loft to be presented with the medal.”
She was presented with the medal alongside members of the choir and members of her family including her sister, Winnie, who said it was a “momentous and very joyful day for our family.”
The Benemerenti Medal is a medal awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church but was originally established as an award for members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
Bishop Cullinan referenced the medal’s legacy: “Now, Mae is many things, but she's not part of the Swiss Guard!”
Bishop Cullinan explained that the Holy Father “decided to extend this award to those who have given special dedication to the life of the church and who deserve this special recognition".
“And so this day, I'm pleased to present at the end of this mass the Benemerenti Medal award from Pope Francis, for whom we pray today, in a special way as we know from the news that he is unwell.”
“Mae played here every Sunday for 54 years - that's a long time! At funerals, weddings, confirmations, first, holy communion service, ceremonies, making music for the Lord in good times – and in not so good times.”
The Benemerenti Meadal was presented to Mae Mc Grath for her services to the choir at Ballybricken Church, Mae's sister Winnie spoke at the event. Photo: Joe Evans
