To commemorate and celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Diocese of Metuchen, Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski has conferred diocesan and papal honors on 149 priests, deacons, and laity recognizing their distinguished service to the Church. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI bestowed papal honors on 25 religious and laity, while four priests, have been elevated to Monsignor. On the Diocesan level, Bishop Bootkoski recognized 120 individuals who have made important contributions to the diocese and local church.
Monsignors
Since the 14th century, the title of Monsignor has been conferred on priests in recognition of their special service and fidelity to the Church. The four priests who have been granted the title, “Chaplain to His Holiness,” the first grade of papal honors for priests, are:
- Reverend Monsignor Joseph M. Curry;
pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Spotswood. - Reverend Monsignor David I. Fulton;
pastor of Our Lady of Victories Parish, Baptistown. - Reverend Monsignor Gregory E.S. Malovetz;
pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Montgomery Twp. - Reverend Monsignor Andrew L. Szaroleta;
pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale.
Order of St. Gregory the Great
The Order of St. Gregory the Great was established by Pope Gregory XVI in September 1831 to honor the memory Pope St. Gregory I, called “Gregory the Great” (590-604). It is first in the hierarchy of Papal orders and has four classes or ranks, the first of the ranks being Knighthood.
- Robert E. Campbell
- Anthony P. La Rocco, Esq.
- Joseph A. Luciano
- John P. Mulkerin
- Ronald C. Rak, Esq.
Order of Pope St. Sylvester
The present Order of Pope St. Sylvester dates to the pontificate of Pope St. Pius X (1903-1914) and is the last the last of the Papal orders to be created. It, too, has four ranks, with the first being Knighthood.
- Joseph Tabak
Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice
The Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice was instituted July 1888 by Pope Leo XIII on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of his priesthood. Continued by subsequent pontiffs, it is given in recognition of the honoree’s fidelity to the Church and the papacy.
- Rt. Rev. Thomas J. Confroy, O.S.B.
- Rev. Neil W. Davin, C.P.
- Sr. Theresina Flannery, R.S.M.
- Sr. M. Kateri Hawley, F.S.G.M.
- Sr. Julia Jamink, S.J.H.
- Sr. Felipa Lara, M.C.
- Sr. Veronica Roche, S.S.J.
- Sr. Mary Aquinas Szott, C.S.S.F.
- Br. Robert Ziobro, S.C.
Benemerenti Medal
The oldest of the four pontifical honors to be granted at the April 30th ceremony, the Benemerenti Medal was conferred for the first time during the pontificate of Pope Pius VII (1800-1823). As its name implies, it is given to individuals in recognition of their meritorious service to the Church.
- Samuel V. Convery, Jr., Esq.
- Margaret Garvey-Mitchell
- Rosemarie Gazaleh
- Carol M. MacDermott
- Marianne C. Majewski
- Lawrence V. Nagle
- Judith A. Psota
- Joseph L. Powell, Jr.
- Sheryl Slonim
- Thomas Toolan
"Diocesan papal honors announced"
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Regina Nostra Medal
This award is presented by the bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen to clergy and laity of the diocese who have faithfully served the local and diocesan Church.
"Regina Nostra Medal
Recognizing excellence"
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