MVP, Zobel, 7 others conferred papal award

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Pacific Investment Corp. (MPIC) chairman and president Manuel V. Pangilinan and eight others were conferred the papal award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice at the Manila Cathedral last Wednesday.

The award, which translates to “For Church and Pope,” is an honor given by the pope to the laity for their service to the Catholic Church. First instituted by Pope Leo XIII in 1888, the gold medal features the images of the Apostles Peter and Paul.

“You are sent to look for many opportunities to do good for others and to make more of our brothers and sisters feel God’s care, compassion, healing and love through you,” said Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula, on behalf of Pope Francis, during the awarding.

Of the nine awardees, Pangilinan, Ayala Corp. board director Fernando Zobel de Ayala, PHINMA Corp. chairman and chief executive officer Ramon del Rosario Jr. are part of the board of trustees of Caritas Manila.

UnionBank former senior vice president Maria Goolsby and businessman Arnulfo Veridico are long-time supporters of the archdiocese’s social action arm.

The same recognition, the highest papal award for the laity, was conferred on Roselina Quismundo, Elmer Sy, Tomasita Lim and Corazon Rodriguez from the Parish and Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Joseph in Manila’s Sta. Cruz district.

The conferment took place during the concelebrated mass that Advincula presided. Also present was Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, currently the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and who previously served as archbishop of Manila.

In his homily, Cardinal Advincula said the cross medals given to the awardees were the Church’s way of saying “thank you” for their unwavering commitment, exemplary service and outstanding contributions to Church and society.

However, receiving these awards should not make them feel that they are entitled because it does not give them a ticket to heaven. “The truth is this award is not even an assurance of entrance to heaven.”

While they receive the honor of being a papal awardee, Advincula reminded them to “wear this medal with humility. Although this award comes from the Pope, it does not raise your status in the Church