Community Corner

Mineola Resident Receives Service Award from Diocese

John DaVanzo honored by Diocese of Rockville Centre for service work.

Mineola resident John DaVanzo recently received from the ’s highest awards for service, the Saint Agnes Medal of Service.

Bishop William Murphy bestowed the service medal to DaVanzo during a ceremony on September 16. DaVanzo was nominated to receive the medal by  pastor Reverend Monsignor Robert J. Coyle, for his generously and unselfishly giving of himself to the parish.

Pastors from each of the 133 parishes in the diocese were asked to nominate a layperson who unselfishly donates their time to their parish.

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Designed and crafted in Rome by the jewelers Savi brothers, the 2-inch medal features the image of St. Agnes, patroness of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, on one side and a depiction of St. Agnes Cathedral on the other.

DaVanzo is the fifth person to receive the medal, which is awarded annually to lay people whose love of the Church has been shown through their devotion to the Holy Father, to our diocese and to their parish.

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“They are the unsung heroes in our midst who build up our parish communities by extraordinary service in parish ministry, parish administration or some significant volunteer role,” Bishop Murphy said.


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