A COUPLE from Hanley Swan have been presented with awards from the pope to mark their services to the Catholic church.
The awards were presented to Oscar and Anne Rasile at a celebration of mass held on Thursday, February 14, at the Church of Our Lady and St Alphonsus, Blackmore Park.
The presentations, made by the Most Reverend Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, were of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (for Church and Pope), conferred by Pope Francis for distinguished service to the church by lay people or clergy.
Mr and Mrs Rasile were given their awards for their voluntary work in the parishes of Pershore and of Blackmore Park over more than 30 years.
They were nominated for the awards by Father Hugh Sinclair, parish priest of the church at Blackmore Park.
The mass was attended by about 100 family members, friends and parishioners wishing to show their appreciation to Mr and Mrs Rasile for the many years of service they have given to the parish.
The mass was followed by a light supper and an opportunity for all to share in the occasion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here