Sr Frances Slack rsj received the papal award known as the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice – For Church and Pope on 12 October. The ceremony took place during the celebration of the Eucharist at Tenison Court in Lochinvar.
Frances was delighted that her twin sister, Denise was able to join with her Josephite community and that her brother Peter who is parish priest of Casino presided at the Eucharist.
The award is a decoration of the Holy See conferred for distinguished service to the Catholic Church by laypeople and clergy. Sr Frances served for thirty-eight years in the diocese of Lismore, firstly as a teacher and school principal before becoming the pastoral associate in the parish of Camden Haven, serving the towns of Laurieton and Kendall. Sr Frances was also an auditor in the office of the Marriage Tribunal for a number of years. Her involvement in so many ministries is evidence of her distinguished service to the Catholic Church in the Lismore diocese.
Sr Lauretta Baker, Congregational Leader congratulated Sr Frances before presenting her with the framed award and the gold medal that depicts the apostles Saints Peter and Paul in the centre of the cross. The decoration’s ribbons are in yellow and white, the colours of the Papacy.
Following the formal presentation, all enjoyed each other’s company and good conversation over a light luncheon.