Palmerston North
Pat Rhodes
3 September 2012
It was a great occasion on July 28 when Monsignor David Bell presented Leonie Newick with the Benemerenti Medal at the Vigil Mass in Gonville.
This award is given to a person who is ‘well deserving’ of recognition for outstanding service to the Church and society.
The medal was first presented to the laity by Pope Pius VI in 1775. It is granted at the request of the local bishop through the papal delegate.
As housekeeper at the Holy Family presbytery for 18 years, Leonie had cared for Fr Des Levins and various visiting priests.
She is currently involved with the St Vincent de Paul Society and is a long-standing member of the prison visiting team as well as having other community interests.
As part of the presentation of the medal and citation, her husband Doug was presented with an accompanying medal.
Following a sumptuous feast, Leonie and her friends entertained with some fine Samoan siva dancing.
Congratulations, Leonie.
Image: Leonie Newick, with her Benemerenti medal, and her husband Doug.