Forty-nine people were honored Nov. 1 with papal honors distributed by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio at St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral, Prospect Heights. More than 1,000 people attended the vespers service and conferral of honors.
Auxiliary Bishop Raymond Chappetto, vicar general, read the names of the recipients, who then came to the sanctuary to accept the awards from Bishop DiMarzio.
The Order of St. Gregory the Great is bestowed upon individuals who have served the Catholic Church with faith and dedication, or who have distinguished themselves by their accomplishments benefitting society. The honorees were:
Roger Aguinaldo, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Forest Hills
Frank Bisignano, Mary Queen of Heaven, Mill Basin
Anthony Bonomo
Kevin Kearney (posthumous), diocesan attorney
Peter Labbat, St. Francis Xavier, Park Slope
Alexander Ladouceur, St. Saviour, Park Slope
William Lavin, St. Francis de Sales, Belle Harbor
Joseph Mattone, St. Anastasia, Douglaston
Joseph Palumbo, formerly of St. Joseph’s, Prospect Heights
Michael Romersa, St. Athanasius, Bensonhurst
Raymond Teatum, Lieutenant, Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Eastern Lieutenancy
Vincent and Teresa Viola
John Walton, Diocesan Investment Committee
Karen Yost, St. Mel, Flushing
The Order of St. Sylvester, Pope, is conferred upon Catholics and non-Catholics alike, who by their example in business, military, and society have lived exemplary lives. The honorees were:
Patrick Adams, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Williamsburg
Joseph Ferrara
Gregory Galdi
Robert Gartland
Joseph Sciame, St. John’s University, Jamaica
The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal was presented to lay persons and clergy in recognition of their service to the Church.
Francis Baidoo, St. Catherine of Genoa, Flatbush
Peter and Josephine Cardone, Sacred Heart, Bayside
Cheo Hock Chan, Chinese Apostolate (Queens)
Walter Cooper, Holy Child Jesus, Richmond Hill
Martin Cottingham, Holy Name, Park Slope
Anthony D’Ambrosio, D’Ambrosio Ecclesiastical Studios
Sister Ellen Patricia Finn, O.P., formerly of Catholic Charities
Sister Tesa Fitzgerald, C.S.J., Hour Children
Marie Fouche, Incarnation, Queens Village
Michele Guerrier, St. Therese of Lisieux, East Flatbush
Sister Elizabeth Hill, C.S.J., president emeritus, St. Joseph’s College, Brooklyn
Sister Juvenia Joseph, F.D.M., Ministry to Haitians
Anne Keogh, Holy Child Jesus, Richmond Hill
Sister Janet Kinney, C.S.J., Providence House
Thomas Lawler, St. Francis de Sales, Belle Harbor
Deacon Ramon Lima
Brother Benedict LoBalbo, F.M.S., Diocesan Investment Committee
Sister Maryann Seton Lopiccolo, S.C., episcopal delegate for religious
Murilo Magalhaes, St. Rita, Long Island City
Virginia Mampouya, Ministry to Nigerians
Richard Matela, Ministry to Filipinos
Mary Jane McCartney, St. Margaret, Middle Village
Martin McManus, comptroller, Diocese of Brooklyn
Sister Alice Michael, S.U.S.C., Diocesan Coordinator of RCIA
Porzia Modena, St. Rosalia-Regina Pacis, Bensonhurst
Cruz Teresa Rosero, SS. Joachim and Anne, Queens Village
Frans Samosir, St. Mark’s, Sheepshead Bay
What a great day in my life and I thank our Bishop for all that he did and does to make such days in our lives so very special. it will be long remembered, and it causes us to do more for the Church that we love!