A very special and joyous event took place in St Wilfrid’s Parish, Widnes on Wednesday 11th October when Bishop Tom Neylon, assisted by Parish Priest Fr Mark Moran and fellow priests Bishop John Rawsthorne and Fr Bill Murphy celebrated Mass to mark the occasion of the presentation of the Benemerenti medal to parishioner Pauline Ruth (nee Cox).
The award was the ’Gold Medal’ for ‘Exemplary Christian Service’.
Fr Mark commented, "Pauline does so much to safeguard our community and we know her work with refugees and migrants is at the heart of her Christian vocation of service’.
Bishop Tom added that it was a privilege to make the presentation of behalf of his Holiness Pope Francis.
In accepting the award, Pauline made reference to the many people who had assisted her in her work over the years and made specific reference to her late mum and dad, Doris and Frank Cox for the work that they had done in their community roles.
Pauline referenced the fact that both her mum and dad had also been awarded the medal and it appeared now to ‘run in the family’. Pauline’s family, including her husband Paddy who had been her rock, were present at the Mass, together with parishioners and associates Pauline had either helped or worked with over the past years.
Following the Mass there was a wonderful party atmosphere as friends, family and parishioners mingled for a reception in the church presbytery.
Fr Mark concluded by saying ‘well done Pauline and may Godgive you the strength and courage to carry on his work for many years to come!’
