Archbishop Charles Chaput led an Evening Prayer liturgy Nov. 17 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia and presented papal honors to those who contributed to the September 2015 World Meeting of Families and visit of Pope Francis to the city. Two were named Dame/Knight Grand Cross in the Order of St. Gregory the Great; 20 were named Dame/Knight in the Order of St. Gregory the Great; eight received the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (Cross for the Church and Pontiff) and 16 received the Benemerenti Medal. Read all about the awards and their recipients here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)
Gerry Cuddy, CEO of Beneficial Bank, receives the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice from Archbishop Chaput. Cuddy served on the executive leadership cabinet for the World Meeting of Families.
Archbishop Chaput processes into the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul for the start of the Liturgy of the Word.
Donna Farrell, recipient of the Benerementi Medal, shares a warm moment with Archbishop Chaput after receiving her award.
Robert Ciaruffoli, the retired CEO of Baker Tilly LLC, served as the president and board chairman for the World Meeting of Families. He and his wife Kathy received the papal honor of Knight/Dame in the Order of St. Gregory the Great.
Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre preaches during the Evening Prayer liturgy Nov. 17 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul before the papal awards ceremony.
Timothy O’Shaughnessy, chief financial officer for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia who served as special adviser to the World Meeting of Families, receives the Benerementi Medal from Archbishop Chaput.
The papal honors.
Papal honorees pose with Archbishop Chaput.
Papal honorees, including Ken Gavin, director of communications for the Philadelphia Archdiocese (right), pray during the liturgy preceding the Nov. 17 awards ceremony.
The Dames and Knights in the Order of St. Gregory the Great pose with Archbishop Chaput after receiving their papal honors Nov. 17 at the cathedral.
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Sadly, no honors for any musicians, including David Kimock who led the combined choirs, Yannick Nezet Seguin and the Orxhestra, or any of the musicians and staff who tirelessly spent countless hours preparing and performing for His Holiness. The list primarily looks more like who’s who of local corporate types.