Patricia Thomas awarded a Papal Honour
Patricia Thomas, Grief Care Managing Consultant at Catholic Cemeteries + Crematoria (CCC) has been awarded the Honour of Dame of the Order of St Sylvester by Pope Francis in recognition of her distinguished service to the Church and the wider community.
The Papal honours system dates back many centuries, with each award having its own history and relevance in the life of the Catholic Church. The order of St Sylvester is intended to honour Catholic laypeople who are actively involved in the life of the church, particularly as it is exemplified in the exercise of their professional duties and mastership of the different arts.
Each person recognised by the Pope has performed exceptional service for the church or offered some form of outstanding Christian witness in a generous and sustained way – in education, philanthropy, diaconal and religious life, vocations work, social ministry, and other apostolates. Each has earned the gratitude of the Holy Father and the whole Catholic community.
Pat was formally awarded her medal and citation at an investiture held at Cathedral House, Sydney on 3 December 2021. Through her exceptional work at CCC, Pat has touched the hearts of so many people in their grief.
Pat has served with CCC for eight years and under her guidance and leadership the Grief Care team has grown to a team of 8 consultants. The Grief Care team provide support, conversation, referral and education for people grieving a death or seeking to understand the loss and grief experience.
The Grief Care team are available to all persons and companion them through their loss with humility and devotion. This is one of the many services unique to the mission based CCC who serve people from all faith backgrounds and those without equally.
CCC are proud that Pat’s dedication and efforts have been formally recognised in this way. The Grief Care team are committed to helping a diverse range of families and communities in Sydney living with the impact of loss, grief and bereavement.
Below Images:
Father John Knight, Archbishop Anthony Fisher, Patricia Thomas, Grief Care Managing Consultant at CCC and Peter O’Meara, CEO at CCC
Patricia Thomas receiving her award from Archbishop Anthony Fisher.
Images courtesy of Giovanni Portelli
 
