“Pope Honours Felixstowe Parishioners”

Two Felixstowe parishioners, John King (80) and Alan Deveney (77), have been honoured with the Benemerenti papal medal. Fr David Hennessy presented the medals on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI, during Sunday Mass at St Felix RC Church on June 8.

The papal honour, instituted by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832, is given to those who have shown exemplary service to their church, family and community. Along with the medal, both men were handed a large framed certificate signed by Pope Benedict XVI recognising their achievements. The Benemerenti (meaning “well deserved”) is one of the highest papal awards, and is surpassed only by a full papal knighthood.

The medal depicts the image of Christ on a gold Greek cross – the Saviour has his hand raised in blessing. On the left of the transverse arm of the cross is a depiction of the tiara and crossed keys, and to the right is the shield of Pope Benedict XVI and his motto. On the reverse is the word Benemerenti. The insignia is suspended from a ribbon of the papal colours – yellow and white.

The award follows a petition to the Vatican by St Felix parish priest, Fr David Hennessy. An extract reads “John and Alan are also well known throughout this diocese, having over very many years been strong supporters of diocesan events and gatherings. They and their wives and families have been great friends all throughout this time, and both men have carried their share of the cross in many ways with family problems and challenges. In short, both men are outstanding in their witness to the Catholic Church and to family life. Given their bonds of friendship, I would feel it fitting that they should be honoured together with the Benemerenti.”

Although their lists of accomplishments are both long and impressive, John King and Alan Deveney have humbly deflected fame. They are always ready to support projects that promote the greater glory and honour of God.

Afterwards, both men expressed their gratitude at receiving the awards and had time to reflect on the ceremony and what it meant.  Alan Deveney who had first come to the parish in 1968 said, “I’m extremely honoured.  Neither my wife Meg nor I had any idea that this was going to happen to me. Fr David did a good job in keeping it secret. In fact, I had been giving Fr David some background information on my dear friend, John King, who received the award alongside me. It was  very nice indeed. “

John King offered his thoughts on the award, “I’m absolutely thrilled. I’m as surprised as Alan at receiving this award . My wife Barbara and I have only just returned from holiday. We’ve hardly had a chance to catch our breath. It’s just as well we didn’t choose to have a lie in this morning and go to a later mass as that would have foxed Fr David! I’m deeply grateful for the support received from the parish over the past 37 years. There are many others worthy of the award, and I feel very honoured to receive the medal.”

Fr David put their names forward because: “I felt it was important that their contributions not just to the Church but to the wider community be recognised.” He concluded, “The parish is extremely grateful for their dedication and love. This award is an earthly one. We pray that God Himself may reward both men hereafter.”

Ends

We’re delighted to offer the very first Saint Felix Podcast - and what a subject to begin with! - the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.

Whilst representing our parish at the Mass Lobby held yesterday (14th May 2008) at the Houses of Parliament, London, I met some like-minded people opposed to the Bill and was also able to capture their opinions using an audio-recorder (Zoom H2) and mixing it all down using Audacity. Despite a few hiccups in recording the interviews, I hope what you can get from this podcast is an overall feel for the day itself.

Key political figures such as Lord Alton as well as our local MP, The Rt Hon John Gummer, both Roman Catholics, made themselves available for interview.

The thoughts and opinions of BBC Newsnight’s Political Editor Michael Crick, an engagingly eccentric reporter used to controversy, were captured for Saint Felix Podcast.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who helped manage the day-long event at its base camp located at the Emmanuel Centre in Marsham Street. Amongst those helping us on the day was Passion For Life’s Campaign Co-ordinator Ian Lucas and The Catholic Union’s Emilia Klepacka who deserve a special mention as both were extremely generous with their time and were of a huge help to me.

The process of recording, editing and publishing is very new to me, so I ask for your patience and prayers. In time, however, I’m confident that more polished offerings will become the norm.

Many thanks

Mark Jones

Parish Communications Officer for St Felix RC Parish

www.saintfelix.co.uk

We’re offering you the opportunity to make a contribution to the Saint Felix Podcast.

If you have a story about life in our parish, the work of a parish group/organisation, or that you’d like to share some thoughts on your faith and experiences, we’d like to hear from you.

Memories such as these can often fade or worse still be lost over time unless they are recorded.  With podcasting, these can be shared with family, friends and parishioners who will invariably gain inspiration, healing and motivation from listening to these recollections.

It’s ever so easy and really takes little effort to capture these thoughts and recollections.  We can record these at your convenience in the comfort of your own home or at St Felix Church.

To get involved, please contact either Fr David or Mark Jones.

Thank you for your support.