Benemerenti medal

The Papal Medal of Merit Benemerenti ( " The Well-deserved " ) is also known as Bene merenti and Benemerenti Medal. This medal is a papal medals.

History

The medal Benemerenti was first used by Pope Pius VI. (1775-1799) Awarded with their military merits were appreciated.

Pope Gregory XVI. (1831-1846) was distinguished with the Order of Merit of the papal army Benemerenti deserved soldiers who were in Ferrara, Bologna and Vienna in use and had made ​​a special contribution.

The Pope Pius VII (1800-1823) donated decorations Benemerenti was to Catholic laymen who had made themselves in their parishes and parishes " well deserved ", awarded.

The first of Pope Leo XIII. (1878-1903) award given level Merenti was originally a tribute to long-standing and well-deserved members of church choirs.

These four awards were in 1925 during the pontificate of Pius XI. (1922-1939) for " Pontifical Medal of Merit Benemerenti " merged. It is now regarded as a sign of recognition of persons in the service of the Church, civil and military lay and clergy alike. This Honour applies mainly in the Swiss community life as a very coveted and prestigious honor.

Description and Awards

The medal consists of a gold cross, which is square symbolizing the yellow-white band. On the front there is a picture of St. Peter is located. On the back of the papal coat of arms is depicted on the coat of arms and the word is BENEMERENTI. The bishoprics and dioceses have set the award procedures in their honor orders. In general, the diocesan bishop directs the award proposal to the Holy See continues.

Position within the hierarchy

There is the following ranking of the Papal Order of Merit and Honour: