Father Barry Matthews, Mr Seamus McCann holding his Benemerenti medal, Archbishop Eamon Martin and Mrs Patricia McCann, in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh (Catholic Communications Office archive)
Today, in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, Archbishop Eamon Martin conferred the Papal award of a Benemerenti medal on Mr Seamus McCann, a parishioner of Armagh, in recognition of Mr McCann’s service to the faith community in the Archdiocese of Armagh.
Archbishop Martin said, “Seamus, and his wife Pat, have made an exceptional and sustained contribution to the parish and the diocese over many years. Seamus has served faithfully on the Parish Finance Committee and played a leading role in numerous fundraising campaigns. Most notably, Seamus was instrumental in the redesign of the Cathedral Sanctuary, and in the planning and delivery of the ‘Vision for the Future’ fundraising project.”
“A deeply committed and humble parishioner, Seamus has always been ready to assist wherever there is need. Today’s award recognises Seamus’ generosity of spirit, reliability, and quiet leadership, all which have made such a significant impact on the life our parish,” the Archbishop said.
Welcoming the bestowing of the Papal award on a parishioner, Father Barry Matthews, the Administrator of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, said, “In this Jubilee Year of Hope, it feels especially fitting to honour someone like Seamus, whose tireless dedication and visionary efforts have helped renew, not only the physical space of our Cathedral, but also the sense of faith and hope experienced by all who enter.”
Seamus McCann, and his company Armatile, have worked on over 150 church buildings of all denominations in assisting the bringing of a renewed sense of the sacred to local worshipping communities.
- Archbishop Eamon Martin is the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. The Archdiocese armagharchdiocese.org includes almost all of Counties Armagh and Louth, approximately half of County Tyrone and a part of County Derry, as well as some townlands in County Meath.