Rosemary Muller Awarded Benemerenti Medal by Pope Francis

by Admin · Published November 6, 2024 · Updated November 6, 2024

Top: Cardinal Brislin handing over the official scroll from the Papacy, confirming the conferral of the Benemerenti Medal to Rosemary Muller. Looking on is Rosemary’s husband, Glen. Bottom: Rosemary Muller, with the Benemerenti medal pinned to her jacket and the scroll accompanying it. Looking on is Cardinal Brislin, Rosie’s husband, Glen and grandson, Dominic.

By Gerard Kemp, Photos: Joshua Talmarkes – Rosemary Muller, of St Philip’s parish in Strandfontein, Cape Town, was awarded the Benemerenti Medal by Pope Francis for 60 Years of loyal service to the Church during a special Mass on Thursday, 12 September.

Rosemary is most well known as an organist, having started her time at the organist bench at the tender age of 13 at St Anne’s parish in Steenberg. Her 60 years of service spans from music in the Liturgy as an organist, to a Catechist and Fundraiser. The Mass was presided over by Cardinal Stephen Brislin at St Philip’s parish in Strandfontein.

History and Details of the Benemerenti Medal

The Benemerenti Medal is awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Church. Originally established as an award for soldiers in the Papal Army, it is now a civil decoration. The Benemerenti Medal was first awarded by Pope Pius VI (1775–1799) as a military decoration. In 1925, the concept of awarding this medal as a mark of recognition to persons in service of the Catholic Church, both civil and military, lay and clergy alike, became acceptable.

The current version of the Benemerenti medal was designed by Pope Paul VI. It is a gold Greek Cross depicting Christ with his hand raised in blessing. On the left arm of the cross is the tiara and crossed keys symbol of the papacy. On the right arm is the coat of arms of the current Pope. The medal is suspended from a yellow and white ribbon, the colours of the Papacy and the Vatican.

A wonderful gift of grace to a remarkable person.

Gerard Kemp is PPC Chairperson of St Philip’s parish in Strandfontein, Cape Town