Jim Loughrey - St Canice Limavady click to enlarge   One of the highest papal awards, the Bene Merenti (meaning well deserved) is surpassed only by a full papal knighthood.   Speaking from his home, Mr Loughrey said he was shocked when he learned that was to be given the award. He said he knew nothing of the award until informed of it by Fr Collins last week.   "I'm in a bit of a daze. I wasn't expecting it. I know in my own heart that I don't deserve it," he said. "There have been plenty of good people in the parish and I'm not really outstanding at all but Fr Collins has a mastery of words and he can make the biggest criminal appear like an angel".

83 year old Jim Loughrey of St Canice's conference in Limavady has received one of the highest papal awards that can be bestowed on a lay person - the 'Bene Merenti' medal.   The award was in recognition for Jim's 66 years of service in the Society of St Vincent de Paul and was presented by the Bishop of Derry Dr Seamus Hegarty at St Mary's Church Limavady on 10th March.   Awarded by Pope Benedict XVI, the medal follows a petition to the Vatican by Limavady parish priest, Fr Michael Collins.   Fr Collins said he put Mr Loughrey's name forward because he felt it was important that his contribution not just to the Church but to the community be recognised.   "He has been a very committed member of the parish and the community and as a member of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. He has turned the organisation into one which caters for more non-Catholics than Catholics and in a town like Limavady, I think that is important", Fr Collins Said.