Pope Francis has conferred papal awards to five Catholic lay people in the Diocese of Balanga in Bataan.
Bishop Ruperto Santos said the “Pro Ecclesia et Pro Pontifice” was conferred on Digna Calina, Maria Basilia Garcia, Sonia Rufin, and Leticia Vizcayno.
Victor Quezon, also in the Diocese of Balang, has been conferred Knight of Saint Sylvester.
In a pastoral announcement on August 18, Bishop Santos said the diocese is “blessed” with the conferment of the papal awards.
“It is a gift of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. We glorify and praise our almighty God for these heavenly favors. We are very grateful to our supreme pontiff,” said the prelate.
“This is indeed a huge inspiration for us to share God’s immense goodness; encouragement that amidst this dangerous and devastating time of Covid-19, God is with us and working marvelous things for us,” he added.
Bishop Santos said the awards are given to lay people for their outstanding service to the Church.
“We request the awarding as inspiration for them to continue their lives of services and sacrifices to the diocese as the Church is very grateful for their exemplary Christian living,” he said.
He said it is also a recognition of “how they firmly and with fidelity live our Catholic faith.”
“This also serves as encouragement for others to persevere in their Christian living in spite of trials of life and temptations to go against the teachings of the Church,” said Bishop Santos.
The prelate said the five individuals deserve the award as they have shown dedication and devotion to their Catholic faith and obligations.
He said the conferment of the papal awards will be scheduled after the pandemic.
