by Whitney Somsen | Religious Education Coordinator at St. James Basilica
“Do small things with great love.” Most of us have heard or read this quote from St. Therese of Lisieux. St. Therese’s philosophy of living out each day with attentiveness to the smallest actions to serve and love the Lord is both simple and profound. Many serve the Church in humble and obscure obedience, seeking not the admiration of their peers. However, on some occasions, recognition is given and should be celebrated.
The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award is bestowed on lay individuals for distinguished service to the Catholic Church. The medal was established in July 1888 by Pope Leo XIII and has remained largely the same since its creation.
St. James Basilica is pleased to announce that Mrs. Bonnie Laber and Mrs. Marlys Gallagher were recognized as recipients of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award at Mass on Dec. 1 and Dec. 22 respectively.
If you’ve called the St. James Basilica Parish office anytime in the last 15+ years, you would have spoken with Bonnie. Her long-storied past at St. James Basilica has seen her in many roles: Catechist for Religious classes, Faith Formation Coordinator, and Parish Administrative Assistant. Anyone who has worked in parish life knows that the list of actual job titles is never ending. Like the servants at the Wedding Feast of Cana, Bonnie has done whatever Jesus tells her. Her cheerful demeanor, hard work ethic, and unending patience has been a blessing for many pastors, associate pastors, and parishioners. Truly, if Bonnie doesn’t know the answer, no one does!
She has shared in the joys, sorrows, and hardships of the people of St. James Basilica with love and humility. Her willingness to live out God’s love in the smallest and mundane tasks of ministry is a blessing that each parishioner has felt. Bonnie’s quiet perseverance, simple kindness, and joyful attitude have been the heart of St. James Basilica for many years. She is proof that doing small things with great love will have lasting impacts on a community far beyond what is imaginable.
Another testament of faithfulness comes from the generosity of Mrs. Marlys Gallagher. Her name has been synonymous with Catholic Education and specifically with St. James Basilica’s Catholic School: St. John’s Academy. A native of Jamestown, Marlys and her late husband, Michael, both graduated from St. John’s Academy. Six children and many grandchildren later, it is obvious that faith and generosity played a large part in the home life built by Marlys. The vocation of marriage and motherhood are filled with the opportunity to do small things with great love. A mother’s love is the hallmark of generosity: the sleepless nights, love never ending, and simple determination to give of herself for her children. A generous heart doesn’t just exist, it is a labor of love and faith.
In the quiet of her home (well, with six children it was probably rarely quiet), Marlys was an example of generosity. Her living legacy of prayerfully faithful children and grandchildren is a testament to a woman doing small things with great love. Yes, her last name might be in big letters in St. John’s Academy’s cafeteria, but that’s not where you’ll find her. Marlys is found at daily Mass, frequenting the sacraments, and supporting her family.
Bonnie and Marlys have been quietly doing small things with great love for many, many years. We are honored to have been witness to so many combined years of dedication to furthering the mission of Christ’s love. We thank God for these two faithful women and ask you to pray for them as they tirelessly continue to do small things with great love.