A Filipina broadcast icon and longtime supporter of Catholic media has received one of the highest honors bestowed by the Catholic Church on clergy and laity.
Manuela Eudes Banez Kelly was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (“For the Church and the Pope”) by Pope Leo XIV in recognition of her significant contributions to and support of Catholic media organizations in the Philippines.
She formally received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award during a Holy Mass at the Manila Cathedral on February 26. The Mass was presided over by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula.
Widely known as “Ma’am Dessy,” Kelly currently serves as chairman and chief executive officer of Broadcast World Philippines, Inc.
Through her leadership, various radio and television stations were established across the country, many of them under the Catholic Welfare Organization and the Federation of Catholic Broadcasters. Today, these stations are managed by the Catholic Media Network (CMN).
Kelly was also a recipient of the Serviam Award at the 2004 Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA), an accolade given to individuals whose lives reflect Christian service, values, and commitment to truth.
In his homily, Cardinal Advincula reminded Kelly that the recognition is not only a reward for her generosity but also an invitation to live more deeply in accordance with God’s will.
“Please remember that this is not yet your graduation from the Christian life, much less your canonization. Rather, may it encourage you—and encourage all of us—to persevere all the more in doing our own part in Christ’s mission,” the cardinal said.
The prelate also expressed hope that Kelly’s service to the Church would inspire others to go beyond mere compliance and embrace a more meaningful life of discipleship.
In her message of gratitude, Kelly paid tribute to her mentors and colleagues over the past 45 years and dedicated the award to God.
“This moment belongs to the Lord… who makes everything possible,” she said. “Our work of bringing the Word of God to the Filipino people has never been more vital.”
“I truly believe that the Lord is using this network to provide a foundation of faith for our people during these difficult times. May He continue to bless us as we carry the mission forward,” she added.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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