21 receive papal honors

A sense of joy filled the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sept. 9. As family and friends applauded and cheered, Archbishop William E. Lori, himself smiling brightly, bestowed honors from Pope Leo XIV to 21 members of the laity, clergy and religious of the Archdiocese of Baltimore during solemn lauds (morning prayer).

Dr. Askew “Skipp” Sanders steps forward to be recognized with a papal honor Sept. 12 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore. (Stephen Herrera/Special to the Catholic Review)

“This beautiful basilica, America’s first cathedral, is never more beautiful than when it is filled with God’s people,” the archbishop said, as he gazed out at the full house. “Thank you for your presence and thank you for the service we celebrate today.”

Three different papal awards were presented during the service: the Order of St. Gregory the Great, which honors diligent service to the church and accomplishments that benefit the society; the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, a distinction of honor for great service to the church; and the Benemerenti Medal, which recognizes exceptional accomplishments and service and is available to both Catholics and non-Catholics.

“It is through the Holy Spirit that Christ lives in us and that we are enabled to do the works, works of love, he has entrusted to us,” Archbishop Lori said. He called on Mary, the mother of God, “to help us give adequate thanks and praise to God for those in our midst who have done, and are doing, the work of the Lord, those whose loving works of discipleship Pope Leo has recognized.”

Archbishop William E. Lori embraces Ruth Puls after presenting her with a papal honor ept. 12 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore. (Stephen Herrera/Special to the Catholic Review)

Each of the 21 recipients had his or her name read aloud and was presented with the papal honor by Archbishop Lori.

“I’m speechless. I never thought such an honor would happen to someone like me,” Askew “Skipp” Sanders, said afterward, of receiving the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. “There are so many I know in my parish who are so deserving.”

A parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Leo the Great, Sanders is a former educator in both public and private Catholic schools. He also is a former executive director of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture in Baltimore.

“It’s just so wonderful. He is so deserving,” Sanders’ wife, Pam said. “He doesn’t think so, but he is. So very deserving.”

“It was such a beautiful ceremony and absolutely uplifting to hear all of our wonderful people who are being rewarded, excepting myself,” Nancy Grasmick, former Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, said afterward. “It was beautiful and meaningful because it is really about service, and I think the Church stands for that service.”

A recipient of the Benemerenti Medal, Grasmick collaborated with Catholic schools in the archdiocese while state superintendent of schools and was also the first female president of the board of directors at the Kennedy Krieger Institute.

“It was a joy to do,” Grasmick said, of her work.

Dr. Barbara D. Nazelrod, former longtime president of The Catholic High School of Baltimore, smiles after receiving a papal honor Sept. 12 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore. (Stephen Herrera/Special to the Catholic Review)

Ralph and Christine Arnold received the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice for their service, leadership and philanthropy with their parish, St. John in Westminster.

“We’re honored and humbled,” Ralph Arnold said. “The event here is just overwhelming. We just do what we do. We try to take care of others.”

Barbara Nazelrod, former president for 25 years of her alma mater, The Catholic High School of Baltimore, was honored with the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice.

“This is just an incredible honor and surprise,” Nazelrod said. “It was just an absolute blessing I got to be president there.”

It was hard to miss those who came to celebrate Thelma Daley, who was honored with the Order of St. Gregory the Great. Dressed in red, members of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, of which Daley has been a national leader, stood and applauded when she received her honor.

Jesuit Father William Watters, a steadfast supporter of Catholic education in Baltimore City, acknowledges applause after receiving a papal honor Sept. 12 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore. (Stephen Herrera/Special to the Catholic Review)

“She is just so deserving of every honor. She’s amazing. She’s a mentor. She’s a friend. She’s a confidante,” said Michiko Simpson, a member of the sorority’s’ Baltimore County Alumnae Chapter said. “We wanted to support her because she always supports us.”’

After briefly highlighting the works of the 21 honorees without naming them in his homily, Archbishop Lori commended them again for their work.

“After serving in Baltimore for so many years, I know firsthand your love for the Lord and for the Church and for your love for those you serve in happiness,” Archbishop Lori told the recipients. “With the greatest joy, I commend you to the prayers of Mary and in his name find hope, comfort and strength.”

Recipients and their awards:

Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice

Ralph Arnold Sr. and Christine Arnold

Peggy Baldwin

Andrew Becker

Father Edward S. Hendricks

Dr. Thomas J. Lynch

Deacon William P. Nairn

Dr. Barbara D. Nazelrod

Ligia Pappas

Ruth A. Puls

Santos Rene and Rosa Belinda Quintanilla