Rev. Melvin Blanchette awarded for service to Catholic Church

Former Newport resident Rev. Melvin C. (Mel) Blanchette, P.S.S., a longtime formator and rector of the Theological College at the Catholic University in Washington, D.C., received the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice on Sept. 23 in recognition for a lifetime of service to the Catholic Church.

"Archbishop William E. Lori said Pope Francis recognized Blanchette as a missionary disciple and described him as a deeply dedicated and thoughtful priest who has positively impacted the formation of countless priests and religious persons throughout the U.S. and Canada," Denise Reaume, Blanchette's niece, said.

The Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice was first issued by Pope Leo XIII in 1888. It features a gold Greek cross with the images of apostles Peter and Paul and the name of the reigning pope in Latin.

Blanchette is the son of the late Ernest and Hazel Blanchette and brother of Norman (Loretta) Blanchette of Newport. His niece, Denise, and her husband, David Reaume, attended the ceremony at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore, where the papal honors were given out for the first time in more than a decade.

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“When Archbishop Lori called me on Saturday, June 30, I was deeply honored and humbled to learn that I was chosen by the Holy Father to receive this award. It is such a wonderful feeling to receive this recognition for serving the Holy Father and the Church," Blanchette said.

When Blanchette is in Newport, he says Mass at his home church, St. Charles Borromeo of Newport.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Rev. Melvin Blanchette awarded for service to Catholic Church