We have received correspondence from Chris Meney, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Sydney, on behalf of Archbishop Anthony Fisher, advising us that our Catalyst member, Marea Donovan is to receive a papal award and is to be admitted as a Dame of the Order of St Gregory the Great.

Chris Meney writes: Marea “has been Honoured by the Holy Father Pope Francis. She has been awarded this distinction for her considerable services to the Church in the Archdiocese of Sydney.”

In addition to more than 25 years service to Catalyst for Renewal, including several terms as our President, Marea has held senior governance roles in the Catholic Education Commission of NSW and at Catholic Theological Union. She remains an active parishioner at St Francis of Assisi, Paddington.

A formal presentation took place at the cathedral on 3 December.

Information about the Order of St Gregory the Great can be found at wikipedia and there is some history here.

I’m sure you will all join with me in congratulating Marea on this richly deserved award.