The Order of St. Sylvester is awarded by the Pope to Catholics who are actively involved in the everyday activities of the Church. It is also conferred on individuals who have rendered “professional and civil service in the realm of art, science, and literature that have benefited the Church.” Conferred as Dames of the Equestrian Order of St. Sylvester three weeks ago were Dame Fe Barino, Dame Ellen Chanlim, Dame Ma. Luisa Chiongbian, Dame Margarita Matheu and Dame Leticia Melinda Mendoza. Honored as Knights were Knight Wellington Chan Lim, Knight Enrique Delas Peñas, Knight Simeon Dumdum Jr., Knight Socrates Fernandez and Knight Leo Manguilimotan.
A step below the Order of St. Sylvester is the Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice Award which means “for Church and Pope.” It signifies the outstanding service of a person to the Catholic church that is worthy of papal recognition. The awardees for 2022 were Mr. Alejandro Aguspina Jr., Sister Ma. Visminda Dumadag, LGC, Dr. Juliene Ereño, Dr. Jaime Irizari Jr., Mr. Bernido Hing Liu, Mr. Edmun Hing Liu, Mr. Valentino Sandiego, Rev. Fr. Ernesto Javier, SJ, and Rev. Fr. Roberto Villanueva, MSC.
Three priests were given the title of Papal Chaplains – Rev. Msgr. Uldarico Flores, Rev. Msgr. Vicente Florido, Jr., and Rev. Msgr. Cristeto Mendez. A papal chaplain is a priest with certain privileges with respect to ecclesiastical duties and vestments, and is addressed as Monsignor.
After the solemn ceremonies at the Cathedral, a lunch reception followed at the Treasurer’s Hall of IC3 in Mabolo.