Donald Teuma-Castelletti
CHAPEAU Dec. 16, 2018
Three long-serving volunteers of St. Alphonsus Parish were the esteemed recipients of medals from the papal office, recognizing their dedication to the Catholic church, their family and the community.
Bert Collin and brothers Henry and Jerome Sallafranque were presented with the medals and certificates of authenticity Sunday morning following mass, as the congregation celebrated their achievements and learned of what earned them the Benemerenti Medals.
“Fr. Tim [Moyle] approached me a few months ago requesting that some type of honour and recognition be given to three lifelong parishioners,” said Bishop Michael Mulhall in a letter, as read by Msgr. Douglas Bridge. “He suggested the Benemerenti Medal, translated from the Latin as the medal well-deserved.”

While the bishop was unable to present the medals himself due to a prior commitment, Msgr. Bridge was proud to have the opportunity to do so.
“The medal is in the form of a great cross, depicting Christ with His hands raised in blessing,” said Fr. Moyle, as he described the medal. “On the left arm of the cross is the tiara and cross keys, which are symbols of the papacy. On the right arm of the cross is the coat of arms of Pope Francis. The medal is suspended from a yellow and white ribbon, the colours of the papacy.”
Msgr. Bridge and Fr. Moyle then had each recipient and their wives stand in front of the chancel, where their nomination form – outlining the merits for which they received the medal – was read and the men presented with it.
Collin received his for service on the pastoral and finance councils, as well as his being responsible for all the bookkeeping in excess of 25 years. He was noted for serving as a lay administrator of the parish when there wasn’t a resident pastor and for work within the diocesan level, in a variety of roles.
“You’ve also served on the municipal council, including two terms as mayor, and as a founding member of the Lions’ Club,” said Fr. Moyle. “Briefly, you’ve done it all.”
Collin said it was quite the honour to be recognized in this fashion and was humbled by the medal.
“It’s really, really something special for me,” said Collin. “It’s unexpected, really. I’ve worked in the community because I’ve had the time to do it and I was able to do it.”
This month proved one of many distinctions for Collin, as he also retired from his work at the Chapeau Caisse Populaire Desjardins. He was proud to say he had been with the co-op for 54 years, 33 of which he had acted as manager.
“This was just the greatest of honours that was given to me,” said Collin.
Henry was the second recipient to be honoured, recognized for his many roles in the municipality and community groups, as well as his above and beyond service in every role. As a Knight of Columbus, tireless volunteer for many events, founding member of the local Lions’ Club, Young at Heart Club, and more, plus a dedicated church-goer who never misses a service, Henry’s list of reasons for earning the distinction were hard to contain within one speech.
“You have been virtually an indispensable member of your parish community,” said Fr. Moyle. “Even now in your 90s, you’re always the first to volunteer and arrive ready to work whenever your parish needs workers for various tasks and events.”
Henry said the medal is a proud moment in his life, as it’s a huge symbol of all the work he has done for his faith and community, especially as he’s spent his entire life on the island.
“It means a lot to me because I think I deserve it,” said Henry. “I’ve been 51 years with the Knights [of Columbus] and 33 years with the Lions’ Club.”
Last, but certainly not least, Jerome was presented with the medal for his many accomplishments, including a founding member of the local senior citizen’s organization, working with the oversight committee at the community hall, and adding expertise to the parish and finance councils of St. Alphonsus Parish. As well, he was recognized for his work as chair of the diocesan building and property committee, overseeing repairs and renovations for churches within its order.
“More recently you have taken the responsibility of overseeing the restoration and repair program, which has included the construction of a new church entrance,” said Fr. Moyle, also acknowledging his work in dealing with architects and bureaucrats in other work done for the building.
Jerome was gratified to say he had worked on such things as the new addition on the church, adding that it was a process six years in the making.
“It’s hard to sum it up, you know it’s an honour to receive it,” said Jerome.
The presentation of the medals was met with an astounding applause and a standing ovation from the congregation.
As well, the men’s wives were recognized for their years of standing by their husbands and supporting them in all that they’ve done. Fr. Moyle presented the women with baskets of poinsettias and thanked them for standing with their husbands through thick and thin.
The Benemerenti Medal was originally used to honour distinguished military merit, under the leadership of Pope Pius VI. In 1925, the medal’s designation was changed to recognize those in service and dedication of the church, for everyone from military through to clergy, lay, and civil roles.