A rainy day next to a construction site might be a less than ideal
setting for an occasion as joyous as the Conferral of the St.
Augustine Medal of Service. But, as Bishop Frank J. Caggiano
quipped, God chose just that day, “in his infinite wisdom” to
honor the faithful gathered at St. Augustine Cathedral on
October 14, 2023.

Established by Bishop William E, Lori in 2005, the St. Augustine
Medal of Service recognizes men and women from across the
Diocese of Bridgeport whose exemplary service to Christ and
his Church is lived out in extraordinary service in the parishes,
schools and charitable works in the Church across Fairfield
County. The medal features an image St. Augustine of Hippo,
the patron saint of the diocese, as well as the diocesan seal on
its reverse.

During his homily, the bishop reflected on a story about St.
Augustine—the medal’s namesake—in which his parishioners
asked him what they were to do about different faith’s presence
right next door. And his response, the bishop said, was the
reason they were all gathered in the Cathedral that day.
St. Augustine “did not say, ‘Let’s give a series of catechetical
talks’ … He didn’t say, ‘Let’s have a fair, let’s have a social
event,’ as important as they may be,” Bishop Caggiano said.
“He said, ‘Why don’t we sing twice as loud as they do?’”

The bishop described the St. Augustine Medal of Service as a
“profound thank you” from every person in the diocese for those
honored with it. And that thank you came from choosing to
“sing” about God in a world that may not always want to hear it.

Thank you Bill and Mary Beth for all you have done for St.
Aloysius Parish.