I am happy to inform you that the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI has conferred Papal Honors upon two of our parishioners because of their long -term service to the People of God of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens, namely Mrs. Mary Ann Mattone and Mr. William Kissane. They received them last Sunday from Bishop DiMarzio at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James.


Mrs. Mary Ann Mattone received the Papal Honor of the Order of St. Gregory the Great. This recognition is also known by its Latin name Ordo Gregorianus, and is the most recognizable of the papal honors, and the most frequently awarded. It was instituted in September 1831 by Pope Gregory XVI, who named it after his holy predecessor Pope Saint Gregory the Great, under whose spiritual patronage the Order has been placed. The Order was originally founded in two divisions, military and civil, as a reward for those out standing citizens of the Papal States and other persons who defended the temporal territory of the Church. It can now be bestowed upon any individuals who serve the Catholic Church with faith and dedication, or who have distinguished themselves by their accomplishments benefiting society.

In bestowing the Honor Bishop DiMarzio noted: For many years, Mrs. Mattone has been active in the charitable works of the Diocese, particularly as Co-Chair of the Annual Bishop’s Christmas Luncheon benefitting Catholic education. Many of her efforts have been dedicated to assist the sick, particularly at St. Vincent Catholic Medical Center and Ozanam Hall Nursing Home is Queens. A parishioner of St. Anastasia Church in Douglaston, she has generously assisted both its parish elementary school and religious education program. Mrs. Mattone has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Church’s mission to serve the poor, sick and disadvantaged in a truly exemplary fashion and is worthy of our sincere gratitude.

Mr. William J. Kissane, Sr. received the Papal Honor of Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal. This papal award was founded by Pope Leo XIII on July 17, 1888, to mark his fiftieth jubilee as a priest. While it was intended to be the way that Pope Leo XIII honored individuals in the Church, it still continues to be bestowed by the Holy Father.

This award is given by the Pope to lay persons and clergy in recognition for the service that they have given to the Church conferring upon them the insignia of the venerable “Cross, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” — For the Church and the Pontiff.

In bestowing the Honor Bishop DiMarzio noted: Mr. Kissane, a longtime parishioner of St. Anastasia Parish in Douglaston, has served as Senior Vice President of Community Counseling Services since 1952. He has shared his expertise with the Diocese and its agencies, creating fund-raising strategies that have helped finance numerous programs. Most specifically, he helped the Diocese launch its Alive in Hope Campaign, an initiative designed to provide long-term financial support to the Diocese and its parishes, schools and ministries. A great success, this campaign funded the creation of the Alive in Hope Foundation, which continues to provide significant grants to our community. His knowledge, generosity, and steward- ship of his talent are all hallmarks of Mr. Kissane’s deep commitment to the Church in Brooklyn and Queens.

The Parish congratulates them on receiving those well-deserved Papal Honors and thanks them for their services to the Parish and the Diocese.