Sr. Mary A. McCarthy, RSM recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal. Highest medal awarded to laity by the Papacy

 The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (Latin: For the Church and the Pope) medal is an award of the Roman Catholic Church.  It is also known as the "Cross of Honour." The medal was instituted by Pope Leo XIII (July 17, 1888, "Quod Singulari") in memory of his golden sacerdotal jubilee.   

It is currently given for distinguished service to the church by lay people and clergy. It is the highest medal that can be awarded to the laity by the Papacy.

On Saturday, July 27, 2013, a Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated by The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich and concelebrated by The Most Reverend Daniel P. Reilly, Bishop Emeritus, Worcester at the restored Cathedral in Norwich.  The day recognized the worldwide Year of Faith, the sixtieth anniversary of the Diocese of Norwich and the tenth anniversary of the installation of Bishop Cote as the Bishop of Norwich. 

During the Year of Faith, Bishop Cote petitioned the Holy See to bestow upon Sr. Mary the Papal Honor, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, “In recognition of her effective and distinguished service to the Church of Norwich and its Bishops.” By the act of decree and medal, “The Holy See has recognized her extraordinary service to the Church and her generosity of mind and heart in sharing her many gifts and talents to build up the local Church.”  Also, the conferral of this Honor is a beautiful and meaningful way in which the Bishop can thank members of his diocesan family for their witness to Christ in the practice of their faith.

The current version of the medal 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 bottom arm of the cross is the coat of arms of the reigning Pope. At the points of the other arms are small Greek crosses.

Sister Mary began her tenure at Mercy High School in 1975 as the Dean of Studies.  In 1978 she was named Principal of the school and held that position for 34 years.  In 2012 she became the first President of Mercy High and continues in the same capacity today.

Sr. Mary remarked, “I was quite surprised when my name was call and I thank Bishop Cote for nominating me for the award. It has been a real joy and blessing for me to have ministered at Mercy High and in the Norwich Diocese all these years!”

The thirteen distinguished recipients of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medals in addition to Sr. Mary McCathy are: Sr. Rita Johnson S.S.N.D.; Mother Mary Jude Lazarus S.C.M.C.; Sr. Sally Tolles, CONS, SEC, D.H.S; Br. J. Robert Houlihan C.F.X, former member of the Xavier faculty and moderator of the Mercy/Xavier MYARC club; Jacqueline Keller; Alice Pudvah; David Belval; Michael Driscoll;  Donald Macrino;  Robert Miller Ph.D; William Russell, C.P.A. KHS, former member of the Mercy Board of Trustees; and John F. Shine Ph.D, former Superintendent of Schools for the Norwich Diocese.