July 4, 2009 |
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Papal honors awarded to pastors and parishionersSix priests receive the title monsignor and 17 laypersons are recognized for their distinguished service to the church. 
ST. PETERSBURG | Pope Benedict XVI has extended papal honors to 17 lay Catholics in the St. Petersburg Diocese and granted the title of monsignor to six diocesan priests. The diocese announced the honors Aug. 8. The awards, given through the request of Bishop Robert N. Lynch recognize years of exceptional service to the local church. Two of the new monsignors, Msgr. Colman Cooke, pastor of St. Michael Parish in Clearwater, and Msgr. Desmond Daly, pastor of Christ the King Parish in Tampa, received the “Prelate of Honor to His Holiness,” a higher level recognition. The other four pastors whose longtime service to the church is being recognized with the “Chaplains of His Holiness” designation are: Msgr. Avelino Garcia, Transfiguration Parish, St. Petersburg; Msgr. Austin Mullen, Our Lady of Grace Parish, Beverly Hills; Msgr. Patrick Irwin, pastor of St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater; and Msgr. Robert C. Gibbons, St. Paul Parish, St. Petersburg. 
JANET SHELTON | FC In addition to the priests, 17 people have been selected to receive the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (For the Church and Pope) Cross , which recognizes exceptional dedication to the church by laypeople. Included in that group are political representatives, media personalities, the former owner of the Tampa Bay Rays, two judges, and several men and women who have spent years serving the church or helping others. Bishop Lynch said he has noticed the recipients’ good works for years and the diocese’s 40th anniversary seemed an appropriate time to acknowledge their contributions. Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich is among those who will receive a medal from Bishop Lynch in a ceremony Dec. 21. “Everyone in her chambers is so happy for her because we know how much this means to her,” said Christine Brook, Kovachevich’s judicial assistant. Delores Castaldo, a parishioner of Holy Family Parish in St. Petersburg, was recognized in part for establishing and operating Benedict Haven, a home for men who suffer from schizophrenia. The men who reside at Benedict Haven came from mental hospitals years ago, Castaldo said. None have had to return to hospitals since coming to the home. She said the bishop has long been supportive of her ministry. “This is such an honor,” an emotional Castaldo said. “I’ll have to go kiss Bishop Lynch. I love him so dearly.” Others receiving the Pro Ecclesiae et Pontifice Cross are: • Laura Krueger Brock, St. Jerome Parish, Indian Rocks Beach • Fred Dobbins, Sacred Heart Parish, Tampa • Sen. Michael Fasano, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, New Port Richey • Yolanda Fernandez Walker, Light of Christ Parish, Clearwater • Fred Glass, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Spring Hill • Joan Morgan, St. John Vianney Parish, St. Petersburg Beach • Vincent Naimoli, St. Mary Parish, Tampa • Yvonne Nellum, St. Peter Claver Parish, Tampa • Kelly Ring, Christ the King Parish, Tampa • Sylvia Sanchez, St. Paul Parish, Tampa • William G. Tapp, St. Paul Parish, St. Petersburg • Rep. Anthony “Trey” Traviesa, Christ the King Parish, Tampa • Joseph and Jo Ann White, St. Jerome Parish, Indian Rocks Beach • Honorable Charles Wilson, Christ the King Catholic Church, Tampa
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