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Retired CJ Panganiban receives highest papal award from Pope Francis

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Nicole Agcaoili

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Retired Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban Jr. was conferred “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice,” the highest medal bestowed by Pope Francis to lay people on Wednesday at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila.Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula conferred the papal award by virtue of the Holy See through the Solemn Conferral in a Eucharistic Celebration.“We express our profound gratitude to the Holy Father Pope Francis for this significant honor bestowed upon him, in recognition of his outstanding service to the Church,” Cardinal Advincula said during the mass.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/world/2024/9/15/pope-sends-thoughts-to-slain-israeli-hostage-s-mother-117" id="isPasted">Pope sends thoughts to slain Israeli hostage&#x27;s mother</a></div>“He is an exemplary layperson living out his Catholic faith, as a faithful husband, loving father, caring grandfather, honest and just servant of the judiciary, a wise adviser in the many corporations and foundations he is part of, a charitable and caring brother to all, especially to those in need, and a truly Filipino Catholic,” he added.The reading in the Mass revolved around the key virtue in a Christian’s life, love – which according to Cardinal Advincula, reflects on Panganiban’s contribution to the Church.“My dear brothers and sisters, we are gathered today to honor Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban who has shown great love for God and for the Church. His contributions and service flow from a heart overflowing with love,” he said.“We recognize not CJ Art’s achievements but the great love he puts in everything he does. And that love can only come from God who is love. By giving CJ Art this papal award, the Church presents him to us as an example of using our gifts and talents to show and express our love.”<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/world/2024/8/30/pope-heads-to-southeast-asia-in-ambitious-trip-1043" id="isPasted">Pope heads to Southeast Asia in ambitious trip</a></div>Panganiban, is a true embodiment of a “true Filipino Catholic,” with his involvement in the “retrofitting and restoration” of the Manila Cathedral from 2012 to 2024, Cardinal Advincula said.“Because you have done so well as president of the Manila Cathedral Foundation, meticulously reviewing plans and contracts, diligently raising funds, and closely monitoring the project&#x27;s progress — we now have a beautiful world-class and safe cathedral, worthy of its title as the Mother Church of the Philippines,” he said.“Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng inyong tulong, kabutihang loob, at malalim na pagmamahal para sa Diyos at sa kaniyang simbahan. But as we thank, congratulate, and confer upon you this papal award, please be reminded that all glory belongs to God. You have accomplished all these great things because you allowed God to work you and through you,” he said.Panganiban personally attended the conferral to receive the honor, “With the help of God and eminence’s prayers, I promise to remain faithful to the standard and the dignity of the papal family,” he said.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/world/2024/7/8/pope-francis-calls-for-awareness-in-face-of-global-injustices-855" id="isPasted">Pope Francis calls for awareness in face of global injustices</a></div>He then recited the Apostles’ Creed as the profession of faith. He also underwent the pinning ceremony of the cross-medal also known as the “Cross of Honour.”“Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice,” the Latin for “For Church and Pope,” is bestowed on people who show valuable contributions and service to the Catholic Church.Panganiban currently sits as the President of the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica Foundation. He was appointed by Pope Saint John Paul II as a member of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Laity for 5 years, from 1996 to 2001.

Retired Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban Jr. was conferred “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice,” the highest medal bestowed by Pope Francis to lay people on Wednesday at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila.

Retired Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban Jr. was conferred “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice,” the highest medal bestowed by Pope Francis to lay people on Wednesday at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila.