FZA Conferred the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award

Ayala Board Director Fernando Zobel de Ayala with fellow honorees Arnulfo Veridico, Maria Goolsby, Ramon del Rosario Jr., and Manuel V. Pangilinan; the papal award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice was given by His Eminence Jose Cardinal Advincula alongside Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Bishop Mylo Vergara, and Bishop Honesto Ongtioco on January 17 at the Manila Cathedral

The Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, first issued in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII, features images of apostles Peter and Paul and the name of Pope Francis.

Recognized for his “outstanding contribution as one of the key figures who, through the years, were consistently behind the success of the programs and activities of Caritas Manila,” Ayala Corporation Board Director Fernando Zobel de Ayala received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (“For Church and Pope”), the highest honor the pope bestows upon laypersons.

At the investiture ceremony held on January 17 at the Manila Cathedral, the Archbishop of Manila, Jose Cardinal Advincula, conferred the papal award to FZA and fellow members of the Board of Trustees of Caritas Manila, Ramon del Rosario Jr. and Manuel V. Pangilinan, as well as Maria Goolsby and Arnulfo Veridico, who have long supported the Catholic Church’s humanitarian and social service arm.

Also awarded were Elmer Sy, Roselina Quismundo, Tomasita Lim, and Corazon Rodriguez from the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Joseph in Manila.

“This award expresses our gratitude for being our long-time partners in the mission and collaborators in evangelization,” said Cardinal Advincula, adding, “In receiving the Papal Award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, you are not just honored; you are also commissioned. You are commissioned to continue the beautiful work you have begun and to do even more. You are sent to look for many opportunities to do good for others and make more of our brothers and sisters feel God’s care, compassion, healing, and love through you.”

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