The Diocese of Pittsburgh is celebrating its 180th Anniversary!
-
-
Come to Manifesting the Kingdom on August 13, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.
On Sunday, August, 13, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. to conincide with the 180th anniversary celebration of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Bishop David Zubik will present the Manifesting the Kingdom Awards at Saint Paul Cathederal in Oakland. Everyone is invited to attend.
The awards recognize the idea that our lives as Catholic Christians are all about manifesting Christ. In God’s plan it is revealed that each of us is an adopted child of God with power through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, to work with Christ in bringing about a world of peace, kindness, truth and love.The Church of Pittsburgh rejoices in so many good and exemplary priests, deacons, consecrated women and men and faithful laywomen and laymen. Each one in his or her own way works to manifest the new life we have received in baptism.
Nominations for the awards come from each parish pastor, major superiors of women in consecrated life and of men religious, and diocesan staff. In addition, the Bishop will also bestow Papal Honors from Pope Francis on several members of the diocesan church for outstanding service to the Church. The Diocese of Pittsburgh salutes these awardees, who work alongside our priests to serve our Lord.
Learn more about the awards to be given below.
-
-
-
Manifesting the Kingdom Award
The Manifesting the Kingdom award is given by the Diocesan Bishop to laywomen and laymen and to consecrated women and men who demonstrate the presence of Jesus in their lives and have participated in an exceptional service to the Church reflected in so many different ways in the lives, ministry and work of those who receive it.
-
-
-
The Church ALIVE Award
The Church ALIVE Award is the highest recognition bestowed by the Diocese of Pittsburgh. It was established by Bishop David A. Zubik in 2010. The inaugural recipient was Donald Cardinal Wuerl, whose dedicated leadership as a Priest and Bishop enlivened the Church of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Recipients of the Church ALIVE! Award are recognized for their exemplary commitment to every component of the Church ALIVE: Eucharist, Catechesis, Evangelization, Formation and Stewardship. They have significantly enhanced the vitality of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
-
-
-
Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Papal Honor
The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross (Latin for “For the Church and the Pope”) was originally established by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 to commemorate the golden jubilee of his priesthood. Today the cross and certificate are given for distinguished service to the church by clergy and laypeople. It is the highest honor that can be awarded to the laity by the pope. The honor is awarded based on the recommendation of the Diocesan Bishop, with final approval by the Vatican.
-
-
-
The Benemerenti Medal
The Benemerenti Medal was instituted by the Holy See in 1832. At a time when the Church was facing extraordinary struggles in Europe, Pope Gregory XVI instituted this special papal award to honor friends of the Church who exhibited faithful service to their families and community, as well as exceptional service to the Church.
The Medal has not been restricted to Catholics alone and, since 1925, has been meant as a means to mark special recognition to persons who have served the Church in their lives, no matter if they are lay or clergy, male or female, Catholic or non-Catholic. On the back of the medal is the word, “benemerenti,” which translates as “to a well-deserving person” and is surrounded by a crown of oak leaves. The ribbon consists of the papal colors – yellow and white.
-
