Sr. Patricia Tomlinson has been awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontificia medal by Pope Francis. This honour is given to those who have given exceptional service to the church. It is a gold medal and certificate. It was established by Pope Leo 13th in 1886 to commemorate his Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee and was originally bestowed on those who had aided and promoted the jubilee. In 1898 it became a permanent papal distinction. Sr. Patricia richly deserves this award.
Rev. Michael Duignan, Sister Juliet Walsh PLT, Sister Patricia and Bishop Kevin Doran
When she retired as Head of Department in Business Studies from Sligo IT, Bishop Christopher Jones, being a man of great foresight, invited Patricia to came and work in the Diocesan office at St. Mary’s Sligo. Initially she was to work in the archives, but before very long, she was in the main office establishing new information systems for the diocese. She began her work in 2007 and is still working hard today. All her many talents are put to good use in the service of the diocese, particularly her expertise in Educational Administration and Financial Management. In addition to her work in the diocesan office she is Chair of a Board of Management of a Primary School and member of the Board of Summerhill College.
The medal was presented to Patricia at a function is St. Mary’s Presbytery on the evening of the 28th of September. It was a night to be remembered by all who attended. Invited were Patricia’s Community, Sr. Juliet Walsh and the volunteers who helped prepare for the Pope’s visit to Knock Shrine. Bishop Kevin gave a warm welcome to all followed by meeting and greeting with drinks. All were then invited to a sit down five course celebratory dinner. It was an occasion of lively conversation, wit and laughter.
Sr. Patricia and Community
When presenting the award Bishop Kevin paid great tribute to Patricia. He thanked her for all she is doing and said that in the best tradition of consecrated life she is an encourager. Nothing she does is ever about herself. It is always about the service of others. He also used the opportunity to thank all the Srs. of Mercy for their ministry in education, healthcare and social work past and present. Sr. Patricia then thanked the Bishop for the honour conferred on her and said she was accepting it on behalf of all the Sisters of Mercy. She expressed her gratitude for the honour bestowed on her and for the opportunity to use her talents and experience in developing the local church.
Áine McGarty rsm (with thanks to the Elphin Diocesan Website)
Photographs: Anne Griffin
Western Province
