Three Friars Of The Province Of St. Albert The Great Receive Pontifical Award During Ceremonies In Nigeria

On September 15 in Ibadan, Nigeria, three Friars of the Province of St. Albert the Great – Father Pete Otillio OP, Father Ed Riley OP and Father Justus Pokrzewinski OP – had bestowed upon them the pontifical award, “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice.” The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice is a papal award established by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 to mark his 50th priestly jubilee. It is awarded to lay persons and clergy for their distinguished service to the church. During the joyous celebration, three diocesan priests were ordained, five diocesan priests were installed as Monsigniori, and sixteen consecrated religious, including  Fathers Otillio, Riley, and  Pokrzewinski, received this distinguished pontifical award.  Congratulations!