Waterford man is recognised by Pope Leo for 50 years of service to parish choir
John Furlong with his Benemerenti Medal
A local Waterford man has been recognised by Pope Leo for his exceptional dedication to the Catholic church locally.
John Furlong from Crooke, Passage East, was presented with a Papal Benemerenti Medal at a special mass held over the weekend at St John the Baptist Church, Crooke.
The medal was presented to John in recognition of his fifty years of dedicated service to the parish choir.
The Papal Benemerenti Medal is one of the highest honours that can be bestowed on lay members of the Catholic church.
It is awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for exceptional service to the church.
The medal and an official certificate from the Vatican were presented to John by Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan.
A large congregation of family, friends and the wider community gathered for the mass to mark the occasion and celebrate his longstanding contribution to parish life.
Presenting the medal, Bishop Cullinan thanked John for his unwavering service to the parish choir over the past fifty years.
He added that John was the first male member to join the choir in 1975, and that his participation helped pave the way for the many male singers who joined in subsequent years.
The Bishop described John's dedication as an example of quiet commitment and faithful service to the parish community.
John received warm applause from the congregation as the medal and certificate were presented, marking a proud moment for his family and for the wider Crooke and Passage East community.
