Tuesday July 13th, 2010 - Two Burnaby Men Receive Honours From Rome

Pope Benedict XVI has selected two Burnaby locals to receive the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross for their long standing service to the community. One is Bill McCarthy, a local business person and the other is a retired priest, Rev. Francis Chang. Both will receive their medals in a ceremony on October 3rd at Vancouver’s Holy Rosary Cathedral.

Rev. Chang was a long time pastor, 37 years, at St. Theresa’s Church in Burnaby. He has been a priest for the past 55 years. Even though he is retired he still makes hospital and house calls to visit the infirm and the elderly.

Bill McCarthy is a member of Burnaby’s St. Francis de Sales Church. He writes a column on real estate and financial matters and used his knowledge to help the archdiocese with real estate related issues. McCarthy was visibly surprised at the award announcement.

Throughout British Columbia’s lower mainland 21 people will be receiving honours at the October 3rd Ceremony. Some will be receiving the same Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross and others the Benemerenti Medal.