A parishioner who has dedicated more than 35 years to serving the Catholic Church in the Scottish Borders has received the Papal Benemerenti Medal from Pope Leo XIV.
Dr Catherine (Cath) Cormie, of Our Lady and St Andrew’s Parish in Galashiels, was presented with the award by Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews & Edinburgh on Sunday 25 October.
The Benemerenti Medal is a papal honour awarded to individuals in recognition of outstanding service to the Catholic Church. Its name comes from the Latin meaning “to a well-deserving person”.
Cath served as organist at Our Lady and St Andrew’s from 1990 to 2025, helping generations of parishioners participate in the music of the Mass.
She also served as Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council for 17 years, Parish Safeguarding Coordinator for 27 years, and contributed to sacramental preparation and pastoral work at parish and archdiocesan level.
A retired GP, Cath combined her professional career with decades of voluntary service to the Church.
Fr Benedict Iwatt, Parish Administrator, said: “On behalf of the parishioners of Our Lady and St Andrew’s, Galashiels, I wish to offer our warmest congratulations to Cath Cormie on receiving the Papal Benemerenti Award from Pope Leo XIV, presented to her today by Archbishop Leo.
“We give thanks for Cath’s many years of generous service, unwavering dedication and love for our parish community.”
Photos: Julien Borghino.
