McCourts Honored by Church and Pope

On July 29, a special celebration and Mass was held at Hostyn’s church hall honoring the retirement of Deacon John McCourt and celebrating he and his wife Eileen’s 59th wedding anniversary.

At the event, a pair of awards for the couple were announced.

Deacon John and Eileen McCourt have been awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice by Pope Francis. It is the highest award of the church bestowed by the Holy Father on the faithful. It translates as “for Church and Pope.” The award was established in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII and is currently given for lifelong, distinguished and exemplary service to the Church.

The McCourts will be presented the award during a special Mass Oct. 7, at 10 a.m. at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory, in Victoria.

Additionally, the Hostyn and Plum churches presented the McCourts with a special citation at the July 29 ceremony.

It stated: “Deacon John, your story is one for the books, having left Ireland with your wife, five children and one on the way, to move to America to make a better life for your family. You have been a part of this parish for 55 years. Because you are imbued with the gift of service and not to be served, you enrolled in the Diaconate Program and was ordained 17 years ago. Your spirit of service, compassion and accessibility to those in need is second to none. With Eileen by your side, you have ministered to countless couples through the Marriage Preparation Program as well as having counseled many individuals, couples and families through difficult times and you have also celebrated with many in joyful times. You both have been exemplary role models for our church community on what it means to live a faith filled life. Your dedication to the Sacraments has played a vital role in your lives as well as in the lives of those around you. You and Eileen have taught us through your actions, how to live a Christian life in service to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Deacon John and Eileen, you have inspired and touched many lives.

Our churches have been extremely blessed to have you and Eileen as part of our families and we pray for God to continue to bestow upon you His Grace, mercy and abundant Blessings for years to come.”