The Patronal Medal is awarded jointly by The Catholic University of America and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. It is awarded someone who has "rendered distinguished service in the advancement of Marian devotion, theology, or general appreciation of the place of Mary in the life of the Catholic Church."
It is awarded on an occasional basis around December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Patronal feast of Catholic University and the Basilica. It was awarded 25 times between its establishment in 1974 and 2010.
Winners
Year Winner Position Citation 2016 Sandra Andreas McMurtrie Catholic volunteer Robert F. Comstock Attorney 2013 Carl A. Anderson Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus "He embodies the qualities for which the Patronal Medal is awarded because his strong faith and devotion to Mary underpin all that he does." 2009 Msgr. Paul Lenz Vice-postulator of the cause for canonization of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha "With great admiration and affection for him and in recognition of his life's work, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and The Catholic University of America together, this day, proudly confer upon Reverend Monsignor Paul A. Lenz their highest honor, the Patronal Medal." 1998 Cardinal Edmund Szoka President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and of the Governatorate of Vatican City State 1995 Joseph and Bertha Braddock 1990 Mother Angelica Founder of the Eternal Word Television Network 1989 Rev. Eamon R. Carroll Past president of the Catholic Theological Society of America and the Mariological Society of America 1987 Thomas J. Grady Bishop of Orlando 1986 Cardinal John Krol Archbishop of Philadelphia 1985 Joseph A. Fitzmyer, S.J. Professor at The Catholic University of America 1984 Cardinal William Baum Former Archbishop of Washington, Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education and Major Penitentiary; 1979 Saint Teresa of Calcutta Founder of the Missionaries of Charity 1974 Archbishop Fulton Sheen Bishop of Rochester Michael J. Bransfield Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston and former rector of the Basilica Cardinal John Carberry Archbishop of St. Louis Virgil Dechant Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus Cardinal James Hickey Archbishop of Washington Dolores Hope Wife of entertainer Bob Hope Fr. Frederick Jelly President of the Mariologist Society of America and the Ecumenical Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary Bishop James T. McHugh Bishop of Rockville Centre Cardinal Patrick O'Boyle Archbishop of Washington Fr. Patrick Peyton Founder of the Family Rosary Crusade
See also
List of religion-related awards List of ecclesiastical decorations
References