The St Philip Howard medal
Joseph Welsby has been awarded the St Phillip Howard medal by Archbishop Kieran Conroy.
Joseph has been a devoted Sacristan at St Joseph’s church Redhill for over 20 years, always ensuring everything was ready, each day for the morning Mass.
He would see to the securing of the church before returning home. The medal is in recognition of Joe’s generous and loving service to the community over such a long period.
Even though he has poor hearing and failing sight, Joe has stoically carried on supporting each parish priest over the years. Archbishop Kieran offered the 10.30 Mass on Sunday 17th November and during the Mass Joe received the Philip Howard medal while Maeve and his family stood proudly by.
Joe, was the original Redhill, Life Ascending group leader and was on the National Planning Team for a while. Maeve, his wife, has shared in much of the responsibility of the group and his constant help.
Many, many, heartfelt congratulations Joe. You truly deserve this precious award.
St Philip Howard was one of the Catholic English martyrs during Henry V111’s reign.