Papal medal for Corlough woman
“I’m absolutely honoured” is how 83-year-old Mary Ann McGovern from Corlough described the moment she was awarded a Papal Medal for her sterling service to the church. Mary Ann received the special Benemerenti Medal during a celebration to mark the occasion at St Patrick’s Church earlier this month.
The local woman has given years of service to the church and her community and was sacristan for over 40 years prior to her retirement in March. “I am absolutely honoured; I never expected this,” Mary Ann told The Anglo-Celt this week.
"Fr Séan Maguire was so helpful and kind to me, and I really appreciate that. I was also very touched by the people who sent me cards and gifts over the last few days. I enjoyed the celebration very much; I was nervous and I also shed a few tears as well. I am very grateful to everyone,” said the humble Mary Ann.
The community in Corlough gathered for the annual Blessing of the Graves where Bishop Martin Hayes celebrated the Mass. During the ceremony, the Bishop presented the medal to Mary Ann on behalf of Pope Francis. He also consecrated an extension to the cemetery that was developed in 2010.
It was an emotional day for Mary Ann and her entire family. She is married to Packie McGovern and the couple have seven children and eight grandchildren. For over 40 years, the local woman has been responsible for the daily opening and closing of the church, and for preparing the church for the celebration of Mass and the Sacraments.
Fr Maguire described Mary Ann as reliable and efficient: “Mary Ann is a very courteous, obliging, friendly, pleasant, determined and gentle woman. She is a very reliable and efficient Sacristan who carried out her duties discretely and without any fuss or fanfare.”
Mary Ann added: “I was very proud and happy to hear that I was going to get a medal from the Pope. I am very thankful to Fr Seán Maguire for organising it and to Bishop Hayes for coming to Corlough to present it to me.
“I really loved being a Sacristan. It never felt like a job. I loved looking after the Church and keeping it warm and clean. I was sad to give it up but I knew the time had come. I would also like to thank all the priests and parish volunteers that I have met down through the years. I have fond memories of all of them.”
The Benemerenti Medal is awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for ‘long and exceptional service’ to the Catholic Church. Benemerenti means ‘to a well deserving person’ and the people of Corlough agree that Mary Ann is a very worthy recipient of the Papal award.