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Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Papal honour for Swinford woman
By: Majella Loftus
A Swinford woman has been honoured by the Pope for her work in her local parish Church in England for the past 24 years.
Mrs Margaret (Peggy) Bishop, formally Peggy Gallagher-McIntyre from Barnacogue, Swinford was surprised and amazed recently when she was called up to meet the Bishop at a special ceremony following 9am Sunday Mass.
Peggy is a parishoner of Our Lady of Gillingham RC Church in Ingram Road, Gillingham, Kent and was presented with a Benemerenti medal which was sent by the Pope for her long and devoted service. The honour, which translates as ‘Well Deserving’ is awarded by the Pope to show the Church’s official appreciation.
Peggy, who has been housekeeper to the parish priests since 1981 was presented with the medal and a framed certificate. It was presented to her by Bishop John Hine, an auxiliary bishop in Southwark.
At the celebration recently, Peggy was shocked and amazed to be called forward to receive her award but her astonishment was cemented when she saw her five children, Tom, John, Brendan, Evelyn and Teresa, who travelled from as far as Hertfordshire and Manchester accompany her husband, Pat to the altar to congratulate her.
For years Peggy has been a valuable member of the Gillingham parish and as well as being housekeeper to the local priests, she is a member of the Union of Catholic Mothers, a hospital visitor at Medway Maritime Hospital, a trained bereavement counsellor, a church cleaner and a flower arranger.
Parish Priest, Fr Kevin Fitzgerald said the Swinford woman’s dedication to her adopted parish had been invaluable, not only in looking after him so well but also in her many roles.
Added to her duties, Peggy is one of the ladies who help look after the church car park when Gillingham Football Club are playing at home. The car park has been available to fans for eight years and she has helped throughout that time.
Bishop Hine congratulated Peggy on the award in recognition of the huge amount of work she has done for the Church and the wider community during a long number of years. Peggy is also congratulated by her brother, John Gallagher and extended family who live in Swinford.
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