Parish life

The diocese has a new dame!

February 25, 2021

On Sunday 24 January 2021, Bishop Brian Mascord of Wollongong, Mgr Francis Marriott PA PE of Sandhurst and Fr Sean Cullen PP EV of Corpus Christi Catholic Parish in Mittagong-Bowral concelebrated Mass at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Bowral, for the installation of Catherine McGrath as Dame of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great.

The papal award presented to Catherine McGrath is known as the Order of St Gregory the Great. It is one of the five honorary Orders of Knighthood of the Holy See and bestows the title of Dame/Knight on its recipient. The honour is bestowed upon Roman Catholic women and men in recognition of their personal service to the Holy See and to the Roman Catholic Church, through their unusual labours, their support of the Holy See and their excellent examples set forth in their communities and their countries.

Catherine has contributed positively and generously to the parish of St Thomas Aquinas, Catholic Women’s League Australia and the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO).

The Dame of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great, citation reads:

Francis, Supreme Pontiff, is pleased to accede to the request made to him that, on account of your positive and generous work for the growth and development of Catholic Women’s League Australia and, as testimony of his goodwill designates you, Catherine Veronica McGrath, Diocese of Wollongong, to be declared a Dame of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great, granting you the right to all the privileges that accompany this dignity.

Congratulations Dame Catherine McGrath!

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