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Colleen Rowan Photo/The Catholic Spirit
Bishop Michael J. Bransfield, third from left, and Msgr. Frederick P. Annie, V.E., left, are pictured with James E. Altmeyer Sr., right, who was named a knight of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great; and Sister Marguerite O’Brien, CSJ, second from left; Sister Mary Rebecca Fidler, RSM, fourth from left; Sister Anne Regina O’Leary, CSJ, front left; and Kathleen Hogan Schenk, front right, who received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross. |
By Colleen Rowan/The Catholic Spirit
WHEELING—For their many years of service and dedication to the Church in West Virginia, six diocesan faithful were presented with papal honors.
During Mass at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling June 15, Bishop Michael J. Bransfield presented the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross to Sister Mary Rebecca Fidler, RSM; Sister Marguerite O’Brien, CSJ; Sister Anne Regina O’Leary, CSJ; and Kathleen Hogan Schenk and a certificate of recognition to James E. Altmeyer Sr. for being named a knight of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great. Bishop Bransfield also presented a certificate of recognition to G. Nicholas Casey Jr. for being named a knight of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great during Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Charleston June 16.
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D.F. Kratzer Photo/The Catholic Spirit
Bishop Michael J. Bransfield stands with G. Nicholas Casey Jr., who displays the certificate he received for being named a knight of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great. |
The cross is a medal that recognizes priests, religious or laity who have advanced the life and mission of the Church on account of services for the Church or the Holy Father. It is the highest medal that can be awarded to the laity and religious by the papacy. The Order of St. Gregory the Great is one of five Pontifical Equestrian Orders, which are honorary knighthoods conferred to men and women by popes in recognition of service to the Church and society.
(See full story in the June 28 issue of The Catholic Spirit)
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