Archbishop William E. Lori will honor 21 individuals from the Baltimore area and beyond with prestigious awards from Pope Leo XIV. This significant ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 12, during the Morning Prayer service at the Basilica of the National Shrine in Baltimore.
These Papal Honors will be awarded to both laypersons and clergy members for their dedicated service to the Catholic Church and the larger community.
“The recipients of these pontifical orders and medals have made remarkable contributions through their lives and ministries,” noted Lori. “Pope Leo XIV awards these esteemed recognitions to celebrate their unwavering commitment to Catholic healthcare, mental health services, charity, and justice for vulnerable and marginalized communities. Their endeavors have played a pivotal role in fostering vibrant faith communities and demonstrating Christ’s love in their neighborhoods.”
The ceremony will include two categories of honors: Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice (“For Church and Pope”) and the Benemerenti Medal. The former is intended for both clergy and lay members who have provided exceptional service to the Catholic Church, while the latter is awarded for outstanding achievements and is open to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
Among those receiving the Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice honor are Reverend Edward S. Hendricks, who has dedicated 49 years to the priesthood and founded Divine Mercy Parish in Western Maryland; Sister Mary Seton, M.C., who has been serving the impoverished through the Missionaries of Charity since 1984; and Deacon William P. Nairn, who was ordained in 1982 and served at St. Ann Catholic Church in Hagerstown until his retirement in 2023.
Lay honorees include Dr. Barbara D. Nazelrod, who led the Catholic High School of Baltimore as president for 25 years and is an alumnus of the school, as well as Dr. A. “Skipp” Sanders, a retired educator and advocate for racial justice, who has been a longstanding member of St. Vincent de Paul in Baltimore.
The recipients of the Benemerenti Medal feature prominent figures such as Dr. Nancy Grasmick, the former Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, who has long advocated for educational opportunities for all children; Timothy J. Regan, the president and CEO of Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, known for his philanthropic efforts in underserved communities; Judge Ellen M. Heller, who has significantly contributed to the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Independent Lay Review Board; and Sean L. Callahan, president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services, a prominent humanitarian organization.
Lori, who was ordained a priest in 1977, became the 16th Archbishop of Baltimore in March 2012, following his appointment by Pope Benedict XVI. He was formally installed on May 16, 2012, at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. His roles also include serving as chancellor and chairman of the board at St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, and chancellor at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, in addition to previous leadership with The Catholic University of America’s board of trustees.
The honors will be presented during the 10 a.m. Morning Prayer service at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore.
“Their exemplary lives motivate others to embody the Gospel with bravery, compassion, and joy,” expressed Lori. “The Archdiocese of Baltimore is deeply thankful for their dedicated service.”
For the complete list of honorees, please visit the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s website.
