Papal Awards

 Information for the Clergy & Faithful of the Diocese of Lancaster

Recently revised instructions have been issued from the Vatican concerning various Papal Awards.

Applications to the Bishop from the Parish Priest should be accompanied by a curriculum vitae of the candidates (age, profession, family and social standing and, in addition, a well prepared description of the reasons for making the request).

There should also be an indication whether any previous awards have been received by the candidates.

For the Benmerenti Medal and Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross candidates must be at least 35 and 45 years of age respectively. As a norm “graduality” should be respected: that is for each candidate first the Benemerenti  Medal is asked, then the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice with at least 10 years between passing from one grade to another.