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Filipino woman to receive papal award for her service to church

Pura Sumangil (Photo by Paz A. Ayunon Bumogas)

A Filipino Catholic woman will receive a papal recognition for her outstanding contribution to the church.
 
Miss Pura Sumangil of the Diocese of Bangued (province of Abra, northern Philippines) will receive the cross “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” (“For Church and Pope” in Latin) from Devine Word Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian of Bangued during the Chrism Mass on April 14, 2022.  
 
This is recognition for her services to the Church and the pope, said a press note from the Bangued diocese.
 
Sumangil belongs to the Auxiliaries of the Apostolate and the Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Government (CCAGG), a community-based people's organization.
 
With the reception of the award, she belongs to a knight in the Order of St. Sylvester. 

“Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” (Photo from Catholic Church in Singapore website)

‘The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice’ is an honor awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church. It is the highest medal laypeople can receive from the pope.
 
Pope Leo XIII instituted the medal on July 17, 1888, to commemorate his golden sacerdotal jubilee.
 
It was bestowed on those who had merited well by assisting in making the jubilee and the Vatican Exposition successful. This decoration was made a permanent distinction in October 1898.
 
It is usually awarded to reward those who in a general way deserve recognition from the Pope on account of services done for the Church and its head.
 
The medal is made of gold in the shape of a cross. Its obverse is engraved with an image depicting the Apostles St Peter and St Paul. On the left arm of the cross is the inscription ‘Pro Ecclesia’ (For Church), and on the right arm of the cross is ‘Et Pontifice’ (And Pope).
 
At the point of the top arm of the cross is the coat of arms of the reigning Pope. At the points of the other arms are small Greek crosses. Below the depiction of the Saints is the Latin name of the reigning Pope.
 
The reverse depicts a Greek cross. The medal is attached to a ribbon in the colors of the Vatican, yellow and white, and attached to a gold pin. The decoration is to be worn on the right side of the breast.
 
Sumangil is not the first person to receive papal recognition in the Philippines. In 2020, five laypersons received the same award.
 
Papal medals such as “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” serve as inspiration for all to serve the Church and society. It also encourages people to persevere in their Christian living despite life challenges.  

 

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