On December 11, 2024, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Most Rev. Charles John Brown, D.D., will celebrate a special Mass at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, to confer Papal Awards to nine distinguished individuals from the Diocese of Dumaguete. The ceremony, set to begin at 5 p.m., will recognize the recipients’ unwavering dedication and service to the Church.
The honorees include Mary Magdalene Z. Villegas and Florence A. Tangente, who will be inducted as Dames of the Order of Pope Saint Sylvester. William E. Ablong and Wilfredo L. Magallano will be honored as Knights of the Order of Pope Saint Sylvester. Additionally, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel B. Gomez, Rev. Sr. Gloria D. Ibalio, Victoria P. Dinopol, Profetiza S. Lim, and Saturnina Malayo will receive the Croce Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice.
Mary Magdalene Z. Villegas, a Certified Public Accountant, expressed her surprise and humility at receiving the award, viewing it as a divine gift. She has contributed her accounting expertise to various Church institutions, including St. Joseph Seminary College and the Redemptorist Church.
William E. Ablong, a former vice mayor of Dumaguete and president of the Diocesan Council of the Laity, also conveyed his humility, emphasizing that while he did not seek recognition, he felt honored by the Church’s acknowledgment of his service. He encouraged other Church workers to continue their service without expecting awards, as the true reward comes from God.