MORNINGSIDE resident, Merle Jackson (87), was recently awarded a Papal Medal (also known as a Benemerenti Medal) at her parish, St Joseph’s Catholic Church. This is the highest award a woman can receive in the Catholic Church.
“I knew there was a Papal Medal. I wasn’t exactly sure what you did to get one – I never thought much about it. It came as a complete surprise when I was awarded the medal at mass. I don’t think I’ve quite got my head around it,” said Jackson.
While the award came as a complete surprise to Jackson, her family members were let in on the secret.
“The strange thing was the church had told my family, and they were all at church. They don’t usually go to church, so I was wondering what on earth they were doing there, but a Papal Medal didn’t even cross my mind,” recalled Jackson.
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There were two medals awarded on the day with Durban resident Dr Colleen Peterson receiving a medal alongside Jackson. Johnny and Myna Cane have also received Papal medals at the church.
While her family was not Catholic, Jackson adopted the faith as a seven-year-old girl attending a convent school.
“There was a nun who taught me the Bible verse: ‘I am the way, the truth and the life,’ (John 14:16). That’s what started my journey – ever since then, I felt Jesus walked with me throughout my life. I didn’t work at getting a Papal medal – my faith was simply a way of life for me,” said Jackson.
Having grown up in Johannesburg, Jackson moved to Durban to live near her daughter in 2004 after her son-in-law passed away. Jackson’s seventh great-grandchild was born this past weekend. She has three children.
Acting parish priest, father Malusi Ngcobo, said Jackson was one of four people to receive Papal awards, including Colleen Peters and Johnny and Myna Cane.
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“The award recognises service in the Catholic church. Father Brett Williams applied to the Holy Father in Rome, and the matter was under review before the medals were granted. We have had the privilege of thanking these people who have been in service for 30 years and more. Johnny, for example, would be at the church every morning, early, to open the doors, and Merle was a wonderful flower arranger,” said Ngcobo.
What is a Benemerenti Medal?
Suspended from a yellow-and-white ribbon, the medal comprises a gold Greek Cross which depicts Christ with hands raised in a blessing. The tiara and crossed-keys symbol of the papacy are included on the left-hand side of the cross while the current Pope’s coat of arms is incorporated on the right.
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