Pope Benedict XVI has bestowed the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice on Mrs Madge Fahy, immediate past National President of the Catholic Women’s League of Australia (CWLA), reports the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Also known as the Cross of Honour, the award was established in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII and is given to clergy, religious and the laity for distinguished service to the Church. It is the highest medal that can be awarded to a lay person by the Papacy.

Luminaries who have received this award include Professor William May, Mother Angelica and George Weigel.   Archbishop Denis Hart will present Madge with the award during the 11 am Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne on May 20.

Madge has been a member of the Catholic Women’s League for 25 years and has arguably led CWLA through a period of the most significant changes in its history.

She has overseen the establishment of the CWLA Research Centre and the employment of a gifted young Catholic bioethicist, Dr Brigid McKenna MBBS MBioeth, so that CWLA may provide some original research, backed by sound evidence and ethical expertise, amidst the many complex issues emerging in the Australian and international community.

Madge has also been closely involved with the cause of Dr Sr Mary Glowrey JMJ since its inception and has been deeply inspired by her example.

FULL STORY Papal award for Mrs Madge Fahey (CAM)