On 1 February 2026, Bishop Emeritus Sèamus, on behalf of the Pope, awarded Chris Marshall the papal award of Benemerenti.
The Benemerenti award is a papal honour bestowed by the Holy See in recognition of long and dedicated service to the Catholic Church.
Traditionally awarded to clergy and lay faithful alike, it acknowledges faithful commitment given with generosity, humility, and perseverance over many years.
Chris, who serves at St Mary’s in the parish of Our Lady of Mercy in Sunderland, is entitled to wear the Benemerenti medal — usually on a ribbon of papal colours — on appropriate ecclesiastical or formal occasions as a visible sign of gratitude from the Church.
The award reads:
The Supreme Pontiff has been pleased to confer the honour of Benemerenti on Mr Christopher Robert Marshall, for long and devoted service to the Church.
Our congratulations and grateful thanks to Mr Marshall.
