𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗹

A parishioner who has dedicated more than 35 years to serving the Catholic Church in the Scottish Borders has received the Benemerenti Medal from Pope Leo XIV.

Dr Catherine (Cath) Cormie, of Our Lady & St Andrew’s Parish in Galashiels, was presented with the award by Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews & Edinburgh on Sunday 25 October.

The Benemerenti Medal is a papal honour awarded to individuals in recognition of outstanding service to the Catholic Church. Its name comes from the Latin meaning “to a well-deserving person”.

Cath served as organist at Our Lady and St Andrew’s from 1990 to 2025, helping generations of parishioners participate in the music of the Mass.

She also served as Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council for 17 years, Parish Safeguarding Coordinator for 27 years and contributed to sacramental preparation and pastoral work at parish and archdiocesan levels.

A retired GP, Cath combined her professional career with decades of voluntary service to the Church.

Fr Benedict Iwatt, Parish Administrator, said, "We give thanks for Cath’s many years of generous service, unwavering dedication and love for our parish community.”

📸 Julien Borghino