Pope Francis Bestows Honors Upon 46 Individuals for Exceptional Service to the World Meeting of Families—Philadelphia 2015

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is proud to announce that Pope Francis has bestowed Papal Honors upon 46 individuals for their dedication and exceptional service to the World Meeting of Families Philadelphia—2015 (WMOF—Philadelphia 2015) and the Pastoral Visit of the Holy Father to Philadelphia.

Two have been named Dame/Knight Grand Cross in the Order of Saint Gregory the Great; twenty have been named Dame/Knight in the Order of Saint Gregory the Great; eight will receive the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (Cross for the Church and Pontiff) and sixteen will receive the Benemerenti Medal.

The honors will be presented by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. 

Thursday, November 17, 2016 
6:30 p.m.
Liturgy of the Word Immediately Followed by the Presentation of Papal Honors
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul 
18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway 
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Archbishop Chaput said, “The Church, the City, and the people of Philadelphia achieved something astonishing last year.  No matter where I go, people from all walks of life still stop me to say that their experience with the World Meeting of Families and the Papal visit was transformational in deeply positive ways. 

Our efforts were successful beyond expectation. The credit goes to many people from various faith traditions: civic and business leaders, a tireless staff, law enforcement, first responders, wonderful volunteers, generous donors, our clergy, men and women religious, and the lay faithful.

Together they ensured that the World Meeting of Families would be the sign of hope God intended and that Pope Francis would see the very best of Philadelphia. The experience clearly moved the Holy Father as it did all of us. The work of those he’s chosen to recognize and the generous efforts of thousands of others made it all possible. It’s a privilege for me to present these Papal Honors on his behalf.”

Background Regarding the World Meeting of Families—Philadelphia 2015 and the Visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia

In September 2015, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia hosted the Eighth World Meeting of Families. This triennial global gathering is sponsored by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Family.

Last year’s event marked the first held in the United States and was capped off by a two day visit from Pope Francis as the final stop of his first visit to our country as Pontiff. Prior to his arrival, the Holy Father said that the World Meeting of Families was the primary reason for his visit to our country.

More than 22,000 people representing over 100 countries attended the World Meeting of Families Congress at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, making it the largest congress in the history of the initiative. The Holy Father’s public motorcades and events in the City of Philadelphia, including his address at Independence Hall as well as the Festival of Families and the Papal Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, provided more accessibility for the general public than in any other city during the Apostolic Journey to the United States. Approximately 1,000,000 pilgrims were in attendance at the closing Mass on Sunday alone.

More than 5,000 members of the international press corps were present in Philadelphia, which served as the media hub for the entire Papal visit to the United States. The resulting coverage generated more than a billion traditional media impressions across the globe. Social media channels contributed an additional billion impressions.

The week’s events were made possible through a comprehensive $45 million fundraising campaign, which was successfully closed in early 2016.

 

Background Regarding the Order of Saint Gregory the Great

The Order of Saint Gregory the Great, one of the five pontifical knightly orders, was founded by Pope Gregory XVI in 1831 to honor his great sixth century predecessor. In the nearly 200 years since, the Holy Father has awarded it to diplomats, artists, scientists, world leaders and interfaith leaders from all walks of life who have shown, by their service, extraordinary love for Jesus Christ and his Church. Membership signifies recognition from the Holy Father himself for service already rendered and an invitation from His Holiness to continue a life of exemplary Christian witness. 

Dame/Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great

The rank of Dame/Knight Grand Cross in the Order of Saint Gregory the Great is the highest honor the Holy Father can bestow on an individual.  Less than eight citizens of the United States have received this honor in the past twenty-two years and those who receive it have usually already been a member of the Order of Saint Gregory in a subaltern rank.

Those Named Dame/Knight Grand Cross in the Order of Saint Gregory the Great

• Mrs. Dorian Anderson and Mr. Carl Anderson,
  • Mr. Anderson serves as Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus and is a Member of Pontifical Council for the Family. Through his office the Knights of Columbus provided various modes of support that were vital to the success of the WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 and the Papal visit.

 

Dame/Knight of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great

The rank of Dame/Knight is also considered one of the highest Papal honors bestowed on an individual. It is given to well deserving candidates who are at least 40 years old.

Those Named Dame/Knight in the Order of Saint Gregory the Great

• Mrs. Kathy Ciaruffoli and Mr. Robert Ciaruffoli
  • Mr. Ciaruffoli served as the WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 President and Board Chairman and is the retired Chief Executive Officer of Baker Tilly LLC.

• Mrs. Angela Clark and Mr. Richard Clark
  • Mr. Clark served on the WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet. He is the retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Merck and Company and currently serves as the Chairman of the Board for the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia.

• Mr. David L. Cohen
  • Mr. Cohen served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Chair and is the Senior Executive Vice President of Comcast Corporation.

• Mrs. Ellen Hanway and Mr. H. Edward Hanway
  • Mr. Hanway served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Member and is the retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cigna Corporation.

• Mrs. Kathy Fitzgerald and Mr. Ward Fitzgerald
  • Mr. Fitzgerald served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Member and is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Principal of Exeter Property Group.

• Mrs. Lucille Francesco and Dr. Jerry Francesco
  • Dr. Francesco served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Member and is Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Philadelphia. Mrs. Francesco served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Member.

• Mrs. Joan Hilferty and Mr. Daniel Hilferty
  • Mr. Hilferty served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Chair and is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Independence Blue Cross.

• Mrs. Frances Maguire and Mr. James Maguire
  • Mr. Maguire served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Chair and is the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Corporation. Mrs. Maguire served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Member.

• Mrs. Jeanette Neubauer and Mr. Joseph Neubauer
  • Mr. Neubauer served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Chair and is the retired Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer—Aramark.

• Mrs. Aileen Roberts and Mr. Brian L. Roberts
  • Mr. Roberts served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Chair and is the Chief Executive Officer of Comcast Corporation.

 

Background Regarding the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice

The Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, also known as the Cross of Honor, comes directly from the Holy See and is composed of a gold medal with the name of the honor inscribed, as well as a scroll. The honor was established in 1888 and is given to Catholics who have shown distinguished service to the Church and to the Papal office. 

Those Honored with the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice

• Mr. Gerry Cuddy
  • Mr. Cuddy served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Member and is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Beneficial Bank.

• Mr. Nicholas DeBenedictis
  • Mr. DeBenedictis served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Member and is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aqua America.

• Mr. Eric Foss
  • Mr. Foss served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Member and is the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer—Aramark.

• Mr. Chris Gheysens
  • Mr. Gheysens served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Member and is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Wawa Corporation.

• Ms. Denise Morrison
  • Ms. Morrison served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Member and is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Campbell Soup Company.

• Mr. John Stratton
  • Mr. Stratton served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Member and is the Executive Vice President and President of Operations of Verizon Corporation.

• Mr. Brian Tierney, Esq.
  • Mr. Tierney served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Member and is the Chief Executive Officer of Brian Communications.

• Mr. Eustace Wolfington
  • Mr. Wolfington served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Leadership Cabinet Member and is the President of Cabrini Asset Management.

 

Background Regarding the Benemerenti Medal

The Benemerenti Medal was created by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832 and was first awarded to soldiers in the Papal Army.  The medal was later extended to members of the clergy and laity for exceptional service to the Roman Catholic Church.

Those Honored with the Benemerenti Medal

• Reverend William G. Donovan
  • Father Donovan served as the Archbishop of Philadelphia’s Liaison to the Pontifical Council for Family for WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 and is the Pastor of Saint Agnes Parish, West Chester.

• Mrs. Donna Crilley Farrell
  • Mrs. Farrell served as the WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Executive Director and is the Vice President of Corporate Communications for Independence Blue Cross.

• Ms. Varsovia Fernandez
  • Ms. Fernandez served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Board Member and is the Senior Vice President and Philadelphia Market Leader for Customers Bank.

• Mr. Kenneth A. Gavin
  • Mr. Gavin served as the WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Co-Lead for Strategic Communications and Media Relations and is the Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

• Mrs. Eileen Kaiser and Mr. James Kaiser
  • Mr. Kaiser served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Board Member and is a Member of the Global Assurance Executive Leadership Team and Chief Methodology Officer at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

• Ms. Margaret Kane
  • Ms. Kane served as the WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Co-Lead for Strategic Communications and Media Relations and is a Senior Vice President at Brian Communications.

• Mrs. Danielle Peyakovich McNichol, Esq.
  • Mrs. McNichol served as the WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 General Counsel and Director of Human Resources and is General Counsel for Neumann University.

• Dr. Rosalie Mirenda and Mr. Anthony Mirenda
  • Dr. Mirenda served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Board Member and is the President of Neumann University.

• Mrs. Susan Mita and Mr. Eustace Mita
  • Mr. Mita served as a WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Board Member and is the Chief Executive Officer of Achristavest and Chair of Mita Management.

• Mr. Jack O’Brien
  • Mr. O’Brien served as the WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Director of Special Events and is the Senior Vice President—Food and Beverage for SMG.

• Mr. Timothy O’Shaughnessy
  • Mr. O’Shaughnessy served as a Special Advisor to WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 and is the Chief Financial Officer for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

• Dr. Christopher Roberts
  • Dr. Roberts served as the primary author and editor for the WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Preparatory Catechesis, “Love is Our Mission—The Family Fully Alive.” 

• Dr. Mary Beth Yount
  • Dr. Yount served as the WMOF—Philadelphia 2015 Director of Content and Programming and is the Chair of the Theology Department at Neumann University.

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