Lancashire Resident Awarded Papal Honour

In a presentation ceremony held recently at Langfield Care Home in Lancashire, 96-year old resident Irene Sidorczuk was awarded the prestigious Benemerenti Medal by local Parish Priest Canon Tadhg Mullins, on behalf of Pope Francis. The Papal award was bestowed on Irene for her services to the Catholic Church, and in particular, her local parish, which still forms a key part of her life in the home. The ceremony was held in the home’s main lounge, and saw Irene joined by friends and family, including her three sons Maurice, Paul and Laurence, and their families. Also attending was Father Tony Dearman, a family friend, and the local Anglican Vicar Canon Philip Miller. The award, which comprises a certificate signed by Pope Francis and a gold medal, is a civilian Papal honour, with only a handful presented each year. To be considered for the award, potential nominees must have a letter of recommendation sent from their Parish Priest, to Vatican City. Irene was nominated by her Parish Priest, Canon Tadhg Mullins, who led the proceedings and presented her with the award. Irene has led a varied and interesting life, meeting her late husband Victor while he was serving in the Polish Air Force during the Second World War. She married him in 1945, and that same year they welcomed their first son. Victor became a naturalised British Citizen in 1950 and the couple went on to have two more boys. Working as a teacher for St Mary’s RC School, which is local to the home in Langley, Irene is a vibrant member of the local community, and worked at the school until her retirement in 1986. She was Chairman of the North Manchester Walsingham Association, from its inception in the 1970s, right up into her 90s. The group organises annual pilgrimages to the famous Catholic shrine in Walsingham, Norfolk. In addition to her travels, Irene has always enjoyed fundraising for local people in need, and was Trustee and Treasurer of the Middleton branch of the Salford Diocese Catholic Fellowship, (formerly known as the Salford Diocese Catholic Fellowship for the Handicapped). She also volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Society charity shop until she was 93 years old. Commented Irene, “I've enjoyed every minute of the day and was happy to share the occasion with so many friends and relatives, I feel so blessed.” Irene has resided at Langfield since September 2016. Together with her family, staff from the home, including Home Manager Brendan Gaffney, also joined the celebrations, with the kitchen team putting on a buffet spread for Irene and her guests to enjoy. To keep up to date with news from the home, follow us on facebook.com/orchardcarehome