Susan recognised for her incredible work with Papal award

A Perth church goer has been recognised for her hard work, with a top Papal award.

Susan Cassidy was presented with the Pro Ecclesia and Pontifice during a service of solemn vespers last weekend.

Pro Ecclesia and Pontifice is the highest award the Catholic Church can give to a lay person.

The award was given to her to recognise her services to the parish and the diocese.

It was presented during the service at St John the Baptist’s Church in Perth by Stephen Robson, Bishop of Dunkeld. As a child, Susan sang in the St John’s church choir, and for the past 30 years has been the church’s organist and choir mistress.

She regularly accompanies the mass liturgy, including at the Catholic church’s services of reconciliation, first communion, confirmation, weddings and funerals.

Bishop Robson paid tribute to Susan’s talents as a composer and arranger at the service.

He said:“She has a gift that combines joy and reverence.

He added:“Miss Cassidy has also served as the director of music for Dunkeld diocese’s pilgrimages to Lourdes for over 30 years. This, combined with her lifetime’s work as a Catholic teacher, at first in Lawside Academy and St John’s High, Dundee, and then at St Columba’s High School and St John’s Academy, Perth, makes her a worthy recipient of this prestigious award - the highest award a lay person can be given.”

The service on Sunday was also attended by Canon Steven Mulholland, St John’s parish priest, and Susan’s brother, Father Mark Cassidy, who is parish priest at the Immaculate Conception parish in Lochee, Dundee.

Susan’s friends and family, including the church choir, attended a reception following the presentation of her award.