Image courtesy of John Kelleher/The Listowel Connection
A long-serving and popular member of the Presentation Order has been presented with one of the highest awards the Catholic Church can bestow
Sr Consolata Bracken has received the coveted Benemerenti Medal in recognition of her outstanding dedication and commitment.
She was honoured in recognition of her lifelong service to music ministry, particularly in the parish of Listowel, which began when she made her final profession in August 1965.
She was presented with the medal by Bishop Ray Browne at a special Mass last Sunday to mark Presentation Day and the bishop said he was delighted to honour her exceptional service.
“The vision and ideals of Nano Nagle are ever close to Sr. Consolata’s heart,” Bishop Browne said.
The Mass and ceremony, celebrated by Canon Declan O’Connor, was attended by past pupils and former colleagues from Presentation, friends from the St Vincent de Paul, members and past members of the parish choir, neighbours, friends and many more whose lives she touched in quiet ways.
A great tribute was paid to Sr Colsolata from the altar by the chairman of the Listowel Parish Council, Killarney man Shane O’Donoghue.
The Benemerenti Medal is one of the highest honours awarded by Pope Francis to members of the clergy, religious and laity for service to the Catholic Church.
Originally established as an award for soldiers in the Papal Army, in the 1700s, the Benemerenti is now a cherished civil decoration.
The current medal is a gold cross depicting Christ with his hand raised in blessing. On the left arm of the cross is the tiara and the crossed keys symbol of the papacy.
On the right arm is the coat of arms of the current pope and the medal is suspended from a yellow and white ribbon, the colors of the papacy.
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