Papal award for Catholic stalwart

Graham Spellman has been awarded the Benemerenti Medal in recognition of his service to the Catholic Church

A PARISHIONER of St Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Wash Common has received a Papal award for long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church.

Graham Spellman, who has also previously been the chair of governors at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, has been awarded the Benemerenti Medal by Pope Benedict XVI, which was recently presented to him by Father Eamon Walsh at St Francis de Sales Church.

Mr Spellman, an accountant by profession, first came to Newbury with his wife Angela in 1974, raising two sons and two daughters in the area.

The 64-year-old has been actively involved in parish life at St Francis de Sales and has previously served as chairman of the parish council, while he still continues to serve on the parish finance committee.

Mr Spellman has also recently been appointed as the Diocese of Portsmouth's education representative on West Berkshire Council, meaning that he will continue to serve the Church in its mission in education.

As part of the recent medal presentation, Francis Connolly, who succeeded Mr Spellman as chair of governors at St Joseph's, paid tribute to his work, thanking Mr Spellman for his many years of dedication and commitment to the school and for his loyal service to the local Catholic community.

Commenting on the Pope's recognition of his work, Mr Spellman said: “It has always been a pleasure and a privilege to be involved with and, when necessary, lead the many dedicated governors and teachers at St Joseph's School.

“It is such a great honour personally to receive this award but I see it very much as recognition of the special place that Catholic education plays in all of our lives, expressed through the daily love and devotion of so many hard-working individuals.”