Mark Huddy (right), the diocesan Episcopal Moderator for Catholic Charities and the Office of Social Concerns, wears a medallion presented by Bishop Earl Fernandes on March 19 that signifies his elevation by the Holy See to the Dignity of a Papal Knight of the Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great.                                         Photos courtesy Abigail Pitones

Two diocesan staff members received pontifical awards and were recognized by Bishop Earl Fernandes on Tuesday, March 19 during a Mass at Columbus St. Joseph Cathedral.

During the Mass celebrating the Solemnity of St. Joseph at the cathedral named in honor of Christ’s foster father, Msgr. Joseph Hendricks and Mark Huddy were honored for their service and contributions to the diocese.

Msgr. Hendricks, the bishop’s delegate for community relations, received the Cross Pro-Ecclesia et Pontifice (Cross for the Church and Pontiff) award for his work with parish leadership, financial management, community relations and community service while serving on several boards. His most recent parish assignment was as pastor of Dublin St. Brigid of Kildare Church from 1997 to 2023.

The Cross Pro-Ecclesia et Pontifice is bestowed on laypersons and clergy who have given service to the Catholic Church. The papal award was founded by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 and was originally intended to mark his 50th priestly jubilee.

The insignia of the Cross Pro-Ecclesia et Pontifice was later altered by Pope Paul VI to a gold Greek cross with images of Apostles Ss. Peter and Paul in the center. The ribbon is half yellow and half white, the colors of the Holy See.

Huddy, the diocesan Episcopal Moderator for Catholic Charities and the Office of Social Concerns who also serves on the diocesan Bishop’s Council, was elevated by the Holy See to the Dignity of a Papal Knight of the Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great.

Within the Order of St. Gregory the Great, the class of Knight is most frequently bestowed at the diocesan level. It is a special mark of favor from the Holy See for persons who diligently serve the Church on the local level. 

The Order of St. Gregory the Great can be bestowed upon any individuals who serve the Catholic Church or who have distinguished themselves by their accomplishments benefitting society.

Mark Huddy (center) is joined by his wife, Beth (left), and Jerry Freewalt, diocesan director of the Office for Social Concerns, at St. Joseph Cathedral on March 19 for Mass and a presentation. Photo courtesy Abigail Pitones

As Episcopal Moderator, Huddy promotes the Church’s social justice teachings for the poor, immigrants, human life and the elderly. He has served the diocese for 30 years.

“So often in the Church we hear complaints, but on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, we wanted to celebrate the tremendous service that these two men have rendered to the Church and beyond, a service that comes from faith and is carried out by God’s power,” Bishop Fernandes said. 

“Mark Huddy gave up a promising legal career to serve the poor. He has been instrumental in the diocese’s pro-life efforts. He, like Msgr. Hendricks, has been involved with the Seton Housing Project. I have had the opportunity to spend time with him in visiting prisons and jails throughout the diocese. He is a man of compassion who puts his faith into action.

“Msgr. Hendricks is a man of action, too. He has served the diocese as chancellor, vicar general and as pastor of St. Brigid of Kildare. He helped found and has led the Seton Housing Project, providing affordable housing for senior citizens. Msgr. Hendricks has represented the Church and the diocese well in the public sphere and has been recognized by civil authorities for his service. It’s about time we recognized him for his magnificent contributions to our diocese.

“To both men, we offer our heartfelt thanks!”

Msgr. Joseph Hendricks is joined at a reception after the Mass and awards presentation on March 19 by Adam Dufault, diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools. Photo courtesy Abigail Pitones

Msgr. Hendricks was ordained to the priesthood in 1972. In addition to serving as the bishop’s delegate for community relations, he oversees the Villas of St. Therese and Seton Square Housing, Inc. He also helps to guide cemeteries and the renewal and restructuring of the annual appeal.

“I am honored and humbled to receive the Pro-Ecclesia et Pontifice award,” Msgr. Hendricks said. “I accept this papal award on behalf of the priests of the diocese who labor tirelessly each day to bring the Gospel and the sacraments to others. It has been a life of grace to serve the Church and the diocese these last 51 years.”

Huddy’s honor was first announced Dec. 25 at his home parish, Gahanna St. Matthew the Apostle Church. Bishop Fernandes presented him a certificate there during a Christmas morning Mass, elevating him as a Papal Knight. He was then pinned by the bishop during Mass on March 19.

The insignia of the Order of St. Gregory the Great consists of a red enamel cross with a center medallion portraying the image of St. Gregory the Great, a green and gold laurel wreath for the civil division and a red silk ribbon edged in yellow. For the rank of Knight, the medallion is worn on the left breast.

“All glory and honor goes to God because God’s the One that gave me the parents that I had that were very supportive in my growing up, got me the education that made this job a possibility,” Huddy said. “God gave me the natural abilities that I have and I’m thankful for. God gave me the opportunities that I have, including the opportunity to work here.”

Huddy thanked Bishop Emeritus James Griffin, who concelebrated the Mass on March 19, for hiring him, he said. Huddy joined the diocese in 1993 after working as an attorney for several years.

He noted that God desires to work in harmony with people to do good things and He makes it possible. Huddy also pointed out that recognition is good because it points to God’s goodness. For that, he expressed gratitude to Bishop Fernandes.

“We have a bishop here who … took the time and the process necessary to make this recognition possible, and that’s something that doesn’t happen all the time, and that speaks very highly of our bishop that he would do that and recognize a contribution that I was able to make with God’s help,” Huddy said.

“As Jesus tells us in the Scriptures, ‘Without Me you can do nothing.’ And so, it’s only with God’s help that I have been able to do what I’ve done. 

“God gave me great collaborators here. So, it’s a great team that we’ve had in Social Concerns and in our Charities’ agencies that have allowed the diocese to succeed: Jerry Freewalt, Erin Cordle, Ruth Beckman, Lisa Keita, Ashley Riegel … all of our directors of Catholic Charities over those years from Sarah Murphy to Don Wisler to Rachel Lustig to Kelley Henderson now … at St. Stephen’s (Community House) from Judy Stattmiller all the way up to Marilyn (Mehaffie)’s role here. Same thing at St. Vincent’s (Family Services), so we’ve had a series of good leaders. Those were all God’s gifts in the process.”