CMC President & CEO bestowed the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal in Tuesday ceremony
Joseph Pepe, MD, President & CEO of Catholic Medical Center, was conferred with papal honors Tuesday evening in a service that honored four members of the Diocese of Manchester. Dr. Pepe received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal, which is the highest medal the Pope can award a lay person. The presentation of papal honors was made in the Abbey Church at St. Anselm College, Dr. Pepe’s alma mater.
In his homily, the Most Reverend Peter Libasci, Bishop of Manchester, said it was fitting for Dr. Pepe, as CMC’s President & CEO, to receive this honor. Pope Francis often refers to the Church as a field hospital. “When people go to Catholic Medical Center to have their bodies strengthened, they have their soul strengthened as well,” he said.
“CMC is fortunate to have a leader who demonstrates strong character and faith in delivering our mission of health, healing, and hope,” said Maria Mongan, Chair of CMC’s Board of Directors.
Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice is Latin for “For Church and Pope” and is awarded to clergy or laity for long and distinguished service to the Church. Pope Leo XII established and first bestowed the medal in 1888. David Gabert also received this medal Tuesday evening. Guy Chapdelaine, a former CMC Board member, and Constance Chapdelaine were conferred the respective titles of Knight and Dame of Pope St. Sylvester.
Dr. Pepe has been President & CEO of CMC since 2012 and is recognized as one of the top physician hospital leaders in the country. He also served as CMC’s Chief Medical Officer and a maintained an internal medicine practice in Manchester for many years. He and his wife, who also graduated from St. Anselm College, live in Manchester.