Bernadette honoured with papal medal
Congratulations to Bernadette Barry who has been honoured with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal.
The award is given to those who have shown distinguished service to the Church and is the highest medal that the Pope can give to a layperson.
Bernadette received the award for her selfless work for the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes for over 50 years.
It was presented by Archbishop Cushley at Mass celebrated in St Cuthbert's, Slateford, on Sunday afternoon, which was attended by family, friends and fellow pilgrims.
Congratulations to Bernadette Barry who received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal at St Cuthbert’s in Edinburgh today. The award is the highest-category medal that the Pope can award to a layperson.
Bernadette received the award for her selfless work for the Archdiocesan… pic.twitter.com/MXLgzWts47
— Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) February 2, 2025
Canon James Tracey, Pilgrimage Director (and parish priest at St Joseph's in Burntisland), said: "Bernadette is very much a powerhouse behind the Pilgrimage.
"Her first pilgrimage was when she was 18 and Lourdes has played a huge part of her life since.
"There is no-one more generous with their time and effort; over the years she has given countless hours attending committee meetings and ensuring things go like clockwork, especially for the assisted pilgrims.
"Her support to me as Pilgrimage Director has been invaluable.
"As Chief Lady Helper she leads the team of ladies and organises the rotas with her usual efficiency. She ensures that we have all we need for the comfort of the assisted pilgrims.
There are many other things that she does in the background, which she does selflessly.
So today we acknowledge Bernadette' personal contribution and dedication for over 50 years.
Bernadette, a parishioner at St Cuthbert's, remains Chief Lady Helper at Lourdes and a member of the Hospitalite and Pilgrimage Committees. She is looking forward to this year's pilgrimage which takes place 11-18 July.
Canon James finished: "Bernadette receives the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal with gratitude and humility - she has rightly stated that we work as a team.
"But her individual contribution for so many years has been outstanding and we are delighted that it is being recognised in this way."