It is the highest honour that the Holy Father gives to members of the Church clergy and laity for their services to the Church.  The award called The Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice dates back to 1888 when it was established by Pope Leo XIII and was presented recently to Marist College Eastwood ex-student John Walker.

John, who graduated from Marist College Eastwood in 1968 had an extensive career in Finance prior to becoming the Business Manager for the Coffs Harbour Parish in 2004.  He was also a member of other boards and committees within the Lismore Diocese including the Education and Finance Boards.

“I always considered my work in the parish to be very rewarding and most certainly did not expect any award, let alone the Papal Medal”, says John.  He continues, “The role of the Business Manager is extremely varied, but the constant theme is working in the service of Christ and his representatives on earth.  I hope that my time in the role has assisted in achieving the goals of the Bishop and clergy for the benefit of the Parish.”

In addition to managing the business operations of the Coffs Harbour parish and supporting parishioners when needed, John was heavily involved with the Parish’s schools and the Sawtell parish school. The management of their revenue and operational budgets came under John’s responsibility at the parish where good working relationships and coordination between the parish and schools was crucial to the schools’ successful functioning. This relationship also led to the forming of the parish’s Out of School Hours Care facility at St Augustine’s Primary School.

Bishop Greg Homeming presented John with the award at a ceremony in the Coffs Harbour Parish.  “John has embodied the spirit of the St Augustine’s Parish through his actions and dedication to the Church – he has been a pillar of the Coffs Harbour community,” Bishop Greg said.  “This honour expresses our deep appreciation for the good work he has done across our Diocese and the profound impact he has had on people’s lives.”

Kevin Hogan, member for Page, also acknowledged John in Parliament for his services to the St Augustine Church and the Lismore Diocese.

John humbly recognises the support  of Bishop Greg and all the priests within the Diocese: “It was always a pleasure to serve under them.  All their support was crucial to the success of my role, so I consider the Papal Medal Award as a reward for a joint effort from a number of dedicated people and I am very lucky to be selected to have custody of The Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, which I will treasure forever.”

John’s wife, Jenny, his daughters and extended family are immensely proud of John and very happy that he has been recognised for his dedication to the Church.