On Tuesday, December 6, 2011, at St Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Cary, the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh, presented Papal honors bestowed by Pope Benedict XVI on twenty men and women in the Diocese of Raleigh. Among them was Mrs. Anne Williams Stahel, of Raleigh, the founder and chair of the Lewis Award, who was presented the Benemerenti Medal by Bishop Burbidge.

The Benemerenti Medal, meaning “well deserved” in English, is awarded to individuals in recognition of their dedicated service to the Church. Mrs. Stahel was cited for the development of the Monsignor Gerald Lawrence Lewis “Excellence in Teaching” and “Lifetime Achievement in Catholic Education” Awards.

A third generation member of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Raleigh, Mrs. Stahel was also cited for her work as an Advocate for the Diocesan Tribunal, a special ministry for the lay faithful, initiated in the Diocese in 1990; and serving in her parish liturgical ministry for over twenty-five years. Additionally, Mrs. Stahel has served on the Board of Catholic Charities, as a member of the Board of Trustees of Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, and on the Cathedral School Advisory Board. In the Jubilee Year of 2000, Mrs. Stahel was Vice Chair of the Celebration Committee, and was Chair of the Hospitality Committee for the Installation of Bishop Burbidge in 2006. In 2010, she served on the committee that planned the Inaugural Catholic Charities Gala Evening.

For further information on the Papal Honors and the recipients, click here.