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Friday, December 18, 2020, 5:30 PMLocation: The Cathedral of Our Lady of LourdesFOUR CATHOLICS FROM EASTERN WASHINGTON HONORED BY POPE FRANCIS
Two priests were given the honorific title of Monsignor by Pope Francis, and two lay women were awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal. All four will be recognized at Evening Prayer on December 18th at 5:30 PM at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral
The Diocese of Spokane is pleased to announce that His Holiness Pope Francis has recognized the service of two priests of the diocese by granting them the honor of Chaplain to His Holiness with the title “Reverend Monsignor.” The diocese is also pleased to announce that Louise Andrews and Nancy Armstrong Montes were awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal, an award of distinction granted to Catholics for service to the Church and Pope. On December 18th, at 5:30 pm, all four will be recognized at Evening Prayer led by Bishop Daly at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral. Social distancing and COVID restrictions to be observed. Livestream available at https://spokanecathedral.com/live
The rank of monsignor is an honorific title bestowed on diocesan priests who are at least 65 years of age and have made substantial contributions to the life of the local church.
Monsignor Brian Mee, a native of Spokane, was ordained a priest of the diocese in 1978. Monsignor Mee currently serves as the pastor of St. Augustine parish and recently completed a five-year term as Vicar for Finance for the Diocese of Spokane. Monsignor Mark Pautler, a native of Walla Walla, was ordained a priest of the diocese in 1974. Monsignor Pautler currently serves as the Chancellor and Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Spokane.
The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award is awarded by the Pope to members of the Catholic faithful for distinguished service of the church and papacy. The award was first instituted in 1888 and made a permanent papal distinction in 1898.
Louise Andrews is a lifelong Catholic, an alumna of St. Charles Catholic School and Marycliff xx High School. As a certified public accountant, she has served as an advisor to many pastors. Andrews currently serves on the Diocesan Finance Council and plays an integral role in assisting in the administration of parish finances at St. Francis Xavier and St. Patrick Parishes in Northeast Spokane.
Nancy Armstrong Montes is a devout Catholic who has lived her faith by her variety of service. She has served for many years at Sacred Heart Parish in Nespelem on the Colville Reservation. This service has included being a catechist, director of music at Mass, organizer of community events, and as a leader in the Cursillo movement.
Both Andrews and Armstrong Montes are known as exemplary women of faith and disciples who have sought to serve the church and fellow Catholics throughout their lives.
