Presentation of Bene Merenti Medals

Looking thew some old news clippings from The Voice i came accross the following:

It was a case of Surprise, Surprise, with Cilla Black nowhere to be seen, when Bene Merenti Medals were presented to Peter and Cynthia 0'Connor, husband and wife parishioners of St. Edmund of Canterbury parish Fleetwood. The joint presentation was made by Father Edmund Gomall, Parish Priest of St. Edmunds at the end of Mass on Saturday evening 16th April to a very surprised couple, as the presentation had been kept a secret from them. Gerald Vandome, Chairman of the Lancaster Lourdes Committee helped Father Gomall with the presentation. It was a coincidence that the certificates had been signed in Rome on 11th February the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and were presented to Peter and Cynthia on the 16th April the feast of St.
Bemadette. The medals were given for their devotion to caring for the sick and the handicapped over many years in various different ways. Peter has been a Brancardier on the Diocesan Pilgrimage for over 30 years and held the position of Chief Brancardier taking over from Bert Osbaldeston. A sprightly and well fit man for his age, just 79, Peter will be taking a rest from his Brancardier duties this year but no doubt he will be back. Cynthia cannot match Peter's record for length of service on the Diocesan Pilgrimage but she has been in Lourdes as a Handmaid for many, many years. Lourdes is a very special place for both of them and there is a very special place in their hearts for the sick people that they have cared for over the years and have made many friends with whom they still keep in touch.