Venkat Raman –
Wenceslaus Anthony will receive the Honour bestowed on him by Pope Francis at a Holy Mass in Thanksgiving at 6 pm on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at St Mary’s Church located at 2136, Great North Road, Avondale, Auckland.
Auckland Bishop Patrick Dunn will present the Medal on behalf of the Pope.
“The recognition of the contribution of Wenceslaus by Holy Father Pope Francis is not only an honour for him but for all of us,” Bishop Dunn said.
Several dignitaries and members of the community are expected to attend the event.
The Papal honour, ‘The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice’ (‘For Church and Pope’) is a Decoration, awarded on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church.
It is also the highest Medal that can be awarded to the laity by the Pope.
Mr Anthony is a devout Catholic, Chairman of the Divine Retreat Centre of New Zealand and Chairman of Indian Newslink Community Fund.
Decoration of Honour
Known as the ‘Decoration of Honour,’ it is a Medal established by Leo XIII on July 17, 1888, to commemorate his Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee bestowed at that time on those men and women who had aided and promoted the Jubilee, and by other means assisted in making the Jubilee and the Vatican Exposition successful. It was awarded in Gold, Silver and Bronze.
The current version is awarded in Gold. The obverse depicts the Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul. On the left arm of the cross is the inscription ’Pro Ecclesia’ (‘For Church’), on the right arm of the cross is ’Et Pontifice’ (And Pope).
At the point of the top arm of the cross is the Coat of Arms of the reigning Pope.
Photo:
Wenceslaus Anthony
