WATCH: Waterford woman recognised for services to church choir with Benemerenti Medal
The Benemerenti Medal was presented to Mae McGrath for her services to the choir at Ballybricken Church, 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 in recognition of her services to the choir in Ballybricken Church.
She was presented with the medal alongside members of the choir and members of her family including her sister, Winnie.
Watch a video of the Mae performing with the church choir below.
The Benemerenti Medal is a medal awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church. Originally established as an award for soldiers in the Papal Army, it is now a civil decoration but can still be awarded to members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. The medal was first awarded by Pope Pius VI as a military decoration and in 1831, under Pope Gregory XVI, 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 the medal as a mark of recognition to persons in service of the Catholic Church, both civil and military, lay and clergy, was adopted. The current version of the medal was designed by Pope Paul VI and it's a gold Greek Cross depicting Christ with his hand raised in blessing. On the left arm of the cross is the tiara and the crossed keys symbol of the papacy. On the right arm is the coat of arms of the current Pope.
