Presentation made to woman for outstanding service to local church

COMMUNITY NOTES: BALLYHAUNIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (FEBRUARY 25 EDITION)

Cloonfad woman Josie Costello was presented with the Vatican’s Bene Merenti medal recently in recognition of her outstanding service as sacristan of St Patrick’s Church, Cloonfad.

The medal, which recognises exceptional service to the Catholic Church, was presented on February 17th by Canon Joe Feeney.

The Bene Merenti medal was first established by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832 and is typically given to clergy, religious, and laypeople who have made significant contributions to the Church, often for long-standing service or extraordinary acts of faith and charity.

The medal features an image of Christ or the Pope on one side and the Latin inscription Bene Merenti (‘Well Deserving’) on the other. It is often awarded on special occasions, such as jubilees or retirements, and serves as a mark of distinction for those who have devoted themselves to the Church’s mission.