Mary Rice Hasson has been awarded the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. The award was presented by Pope Leo XIV. The Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice is a papal honor. The honor recognizes distinguished service to the Church.
4 months ago
Catholic researcher and speaker Mary Rice Hasson is set to receive the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice from Pope Leo XIV, a papal honor recognizing her distinguished service to the Catholic Church 2 3. The award, whose name translates to "For the Church and the Pontiff," was first established by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 2 3. It is conferred by the Holy See upon laypeople and clergy for their dedication to the Church 2 3.
Hasson currently serves as the Kate O’Beirne Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC) in Washington, D.C. 2 3. She is also the director and co-founder of the EPPC's Person and Identity Project, an initiative dedicated to promoting the Catholic vision of the human person and addressing challenges posed by gender ideology 2 3.
Her extensive work includes serving as a three-time keynote speaker for the Vatican at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women 2 3. Additionally, Hasson consults for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on their Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, as well as the Committee on Religious Liberty 2 3. She is also an attorney and a visiting fellow for the Veritas Center at Franciscan University 2 3.
Hasson expressed her humility and gratitude for the honor, emphasizing her belief that faith is central to her mission 2 3. She stated that her personal inspiration for serving the Church comes from Pope St. John Paul II's teaching in Christifideles Laici, which highlights women's role in "assuring the moral dimension of culture" 2 3.
The formal granting of the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice to Hasson and other honorees will take place at a private ceremony in September, presided over by Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia 2 3. This event is part of a larger celebration by the Diocese of Arlington, which is concluding its 50th anniversary golden jubilee by bestowing papal honors upon 50 members of its faithful, including 10 recipients of the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice and 40 recipients of the Benemerenti Medal 2 3.
What constitutes distinguished service to the Church?
Distinguished service to the Church is constituted by a variety of actions and commitments that reflect a deep fidelity to Christ and the Church's mission. This service can be rendered by clergy, religious, and lay faithful alike, and it often involves a combination of spiritual dedication, practical assistance, and the promotion of Catholic values .
One of the most profound forms of distinguished service is the pursuit of holiness and heroic virtue. The Church recognizes individuals who have lived lives of exceptional charity and evangelical virtues, proposing them as models and intercessors for believers . This includes:
The process of beatification and canonization formally recognizes such heroic virtues or martyrdom, often accompanied by the ascertainment of a miracle granted through the intercession of the Servant of God .
Distinguished service is also evident in the dedicated efforts of individuals within their specific vocations and roles within the Church:
Distinguished service also encompasses practical and material contributions that support the Church's mission:
The Church formally recognizes distinguished service through various means, including:
In essence, distinguished service to the Church is a holistic commitment to living out the Gospel, supporting the Church's mission through one's vocation, and contributing to the common good with a spirit of faith and charity .