Church of St.John the Evangelist,
Ballinteer Parish, Dublin 16

John received one of the highest Papal awards that can be
bestowed on a lay person - the 'Bene Merenti' (meaning well deserved) medal.

John Furlong retired on 31st December 2007 as Sacristan after 22 years.

The award was in recognition for John's 22 years of dedicated service to the Parish and he was presented
with the medal during the 6pm Mass on Saturday 14th June'08.

The principal celebrant was the Most Reverend Raymond Field, D.D., Titular Bishop of Ard Mór and
Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, who made the presentation to John during the Mass.

The Bene Merenti has been awarded by Pope Benedict XVI. It was the unanimous decision of the priests of the parish to put John's name forward for the medal because they felt it was important that his contribution not just to the Church but to the community be recognised.

After mass in the School Hall, Fr Richard made a presentation on behalf of the parishioners
who contributed so generously to John’s retirement.

The Parish Pastoral Council together with the Priests of the Parish invited everyone to meet
with John and his family at a function after Mass in the School Hall.

Everyone was very made very welcome at the Mass & function afterwards.
John and his family were delighted to see such a large attendance at both.

Everyone is very welcome.

Click below to see some photos of John from time to time.

John Furlong - A few photos & some memories

Click here to see photos of the Mass, Presentation & Function in the School Hall.