Benemerenti Medal for Templemore woman

There was a great surprise in store for Susan Geary of Richmond Grove at the end of Mass in Templemore on Sunday morning last when Fr Hayes announced that she was to receive the Benemerenti Medal.

Brought onto the altar by her neighbour and sacristan, Pat Heffernan, Susan was absolutely thrilled with the gesture. Established by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832, the medal is a Papal honour awarded by the Vatican to recognise exceptional service to the Catholic Church by clergy, religious and laity. Susan has certainly provided that to the people of God at the Sacred Heart Church in Templemore since she began her heroic service as a gentle, faith-filled witness to the religious ceremonies in the 1970s.

She prepared many in the Ministry of the Word and Ministers of the Eucharist, attending to the rota for their duty for all ceremonies. She also trained the altar servers for many years, making their robes for sewing and again keeping the rota in check for their attendance. Susan fulfilled the Ministry of the Word as an excellent reader and also served as a Minister of the Eucharist.

While doing so much, she always saw to the altar clothes keeping everything to the highest standards for the Liturgy and for God’s house of prayer.

In co-operation with the Parish Liturgy team, Susan worked tirelessly to enhance the gifts of others, to welcome and affirm the gifts of God’s people in ministry and service. She also supported and befriended so many priests in their ministry in Templemore, leaving a rich legacy of good memories to so many.

The presentation of the Benemerenti Medal is an expression of appreciation to Susan on behalf of the parish community with gratitude for her service to so many over the years. We keep in mind her late husband John, who always supported her in fulfilling her call of service and duty to the Sacred Heart church. With her son Sean and his wife Jackie and family, we congratulate Susan and wish her continued health and blessings for the future.