Dr Noel presented with his award by Ann Millar of the St Mungo Singers
It was with great joy that the St Mungo Singers learned that one of their directors, Dr. Noel Donnelly, had been awarded a Papal Knighthood, as a Knight of the Order of St Gregory the Great. The award had been made in recognition of Dr. Noel’s great contributions to the life and work of the Church in so many fields, including religious education, catechesis, adult education, scriptural reflections and church music (both as a composer and musician).
Dr. Noel was presented with the framed parchment of award at the choir’s rehearsal on Sunday 14th April. There was great amusement when Mgr. Gerry explained that the Archdiocese had had some difficulty in contacting Dr. Noel to tell him of the knighthood. It turned out he was on Colonsay with family and only learned of the award when Mgr. Gerry eventually managed to contact him on his mobile.
The celebration cake with a photo of Dr Noel in typical pose
The presentation was followed by a small celebration with a cake, and flowers for Dr. Noel’s wife, Kathleen. A bigger celebration will follow after Easter.
