Purvis, Schepers, Sr. Walker given papal awards at Chrism Mass

Three individuals with long and distinguished ties to the Jefferson City diocese received prestigious honors from Pope Francis at this year’s Chrism Mass.

The Mass was celebrated on April 4, the Tuesday of Holy Week, in St. Andrew Church in Holts Summit.

On the Pope’s behalf, Bishop W. Shawn McKnight presented Sister Suzanne Walker of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, N.Y., with the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (“Cross for the Church and Pontiff”); and Connie Schepers and Deacon Ray Purvis, each with a Benemerenti Medal.

“Clear and tireless effort”

The Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice is bestowed in recognition of distinguished service — “particularly for clear and tireless effort and dedication” — to the Church and papacy.

It is a medal carrying a modern image of a square-shaped, gold Greek cross and likenesses of St. Peter and St. Paul. At the base of the cross is the Latin name of the reigning Pope and the papal coat of arms.

Pope Leo XIII established the award on July 17, 1888, to mark the 50th anniversary of his own priestly ordination. Although Pope Leo originally intended it to be his specific mark of honor, his successors continued to bestow the award. It became a permanent distinction in 1898.

The current cross was designed by Pope St. Paul VI, who reigned from 1963-78.

Sr. Suzanne, who grew up in Monroe City and graduated froth both the Holy Rosary elementary school and its former high school, joined the faculty of Holy Rosary School in 1975 and served as principal from 1984 until her retirement in July 2022.

Bishop McKnight presented the award “in gratitude for her many years of faithful and devoted service as a consecrated religious to the Church and the education of our children.”

Father Gregory Oligschlaeger, pastor of Holy Rosary Parish in Monroe City and St. Stephen Parish in Indian Creek, helped her place the medal on her lapel.

 “Thank you, Sr. Suzanne, for your commitment to serving the people of God,” the bishop said.

“Good merit”

The Benemerenti Medal, instituted by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832, is conferred to people “who have shown an active fidelity to and love for the Church,” for distinguished service to Catholic principles, the Church and society.

“Benemerenti” is Latin for “good merit.”

The medal is worn over the chest, suspended by ribbons of the papal colors. It is a gold Greek cross depicting the image of Christ, his hand raised in blessing.

On the left of the transverse arm of the cross is a depiction of the tiara and crossed keys — symbols of the papacy.

This award is bestowed upon “those well deserving in Christian matters.”

•Deacon Purvis, a Martinsburg native, moved to Jefferson City with his wife in 1989, was ordained a permanent deacon in 2003 and assists the pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jefferson City. He served as master of ceremonies for Bishop Emeritus John R. Gaydos and Bishop McKnight. He was appointed assistant director of the Diaconate Office in 2003, served as its director for many years, and recently retired as director of Deacon Life and Ministry.

His wife, Donna Purvis, pinned the medal to his lapel.

“Thank you, Deacon Ray, for your exemplary service to the Church,” said Bishop McKnight.

•Mrs. Schepers served as secretary and secretary/bookkeeper for Annunciation Parish in California, then for two years in the diocesan Religious Education Office, then as a notary in the diocesan Matrimonial Tribunal Office. Continuing her studies, she served as Defender of the Bond in the Tribunal from 1998 to the present.

She served as diocesan director of child and youth protection and chancellor of the diocese from 2019 until her retirement in July 2022.

Monsignor Gregory L. Higley, who worked with her for many years in the Tribunal, presented her the medal.

“I wish to congratulate you, Connie, for your years of faithful service to the mission of our Church,” said Bishop McKnight.

CLICK HERE to read a related article about Sr. Suzanne Walker OP. 

CLICK HERE to read a related article about Connie Schepers. 

CLICK HERE to read a related article about Deacon Ray Purvis.