From the Office of the Grand Rapids Diocese
Grand Rapids Dominican Sister Patrice Konwinski, chancellor of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, has been awarded the Pro-Ecclesia et Pontifice (for the Church and pontiff) Medal by Pope Benedict XVI. The honor was instituted by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 on the occasion of his golden jubilee. It is awarded in recognition of special service to the Church and the papacy.
Bishop Walter A. Hurley, bishop of Grand Rapids, requested that Sister Patrice be awarded the papal honor for her years of service to the Church in the Diocese of
Grand Rapids.
“Sister Patrice has served the Church of Grand Rapids with distinction during her 19 years as chancellor,” said Bishop Hurley. “Her years of service have been invaluable to our parishes and the diocese as a whole. I am personally grateful for her support and friendship.”
Sister Patrice is one of the first women in the United States to have been appointed a diocesan chancellor. Sister Patrice resigned her position as chancellor effective June 30 to pursue advance studies in scripture and theology. Sister anticipates beginning her studies in the Fall 2007. Sister was appointed chancellor by Bishop Joseph M. Breitenbeck July 1988. She continued She continued in that positionunder the leadership of Bishop Robert J. Rose, Bishop Kevin M. Britt and Bishop Hurley.
