Three Benemerenti medals, were presented to Sean Kelly, Joan Cusack and Tom Byrne from the parish of Urney & Annagelliff, Cavan town on Saturday, October 15th by his Excellency Archbishop Charles Brown, Papal Nuncio to Ireland.

A Benemerenti medal is a Papal honour conferred on people who have made an outstanding contribution in a voluntary capacity to their local church.

A Benemerenti medal is a Papal honour conferred on people who have made an outstanding contribution and service in a voluntary capacity to their local church. On Saturday evening last during a special Mass the Papal honours were presented by His Excellency The Most Rev Charles John Brown, Papal Nuncio to Ireland to 3 members people in the Cathedral of saints Patrick & Felim. The recipients of the Benemerenti medal are seen here front row (ltor) Mr. Sean Kelly, Ms. Joan Cusack and Mr. Tom Byrne. Also included in the picture is back row (ltor) Very Rev. Fr. Kevin Donohoe Adm. Most Rev. Dr. Leo O' Reilly, Bishop of Kilmore and His Excellency The Most Rev Charles John Brown, Papal Nuncio to Ireland . Picture Colm Connaughton.

Front row (L-R) Mr. Sean Kelly, Ms. Joan Cusack and Mr. Tom Byrne. Back row (L-R) Very Rev. Fr. Kevin Donohoe Adm. Most Rev. Dr. Leo O’ Reilly, Bishop of Kilmore and His Excellency The Most Rev Charles John Brown, Papal Nuncio to Ireland .
Picture Colm Connaughton.

 

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Sean Kelly has been a member of the Cavan branch of St. Vincent de Paul for 50 years – a journey which was one of remarkable kindness, love, understanding and charity,

Every task, every problem, every predicament, every dilemma, every project Sean took on he did so for the betterment of others and to change their lot in some significant way. Coupled with his gentle, humble personality and his positive confidence of success with every problem or request for assistance that he faced, he has left a legacy in his community and beyond it that has been an inspiration to many.

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Joan Cusack has committed her life to the gentle caring of others through her many local fundraising projects, the proceeds of which she always donates to missionary societies abroad to assist their missionary work.

She is also a life-long and active member of the local Apostolic Society, for years making vestments, Altar linens and other church items for use on the missions.

She is better known among us for her continuation of the tradition of making St. Bridget crosses, the patron saint of the church at Killygarry ensuring the tradition is kept alive and remains in the consciousness of all of us.

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Tom Byrne is well known in his community for his giving nature, his kind heart and his years of wonderful service to the needy of the community.

Tom has spent all his life in the love and service of others through his work with St. Vincent de Paul. He was their contact person for all those who needed assistance with either food or finance and was on call 24 hours a day.

All his work and committed service to those in need of a helping hand was carried out with great kindness and understanding and confidentiality always respecting the dignity of the person in need. Tom would always find a solution to even the most challenging request and never viewed the mounting daily requests as a problem.

 

We applaud all three recipients for their well deserved honour.

Pictures. Colm Connaughton.