The Papal Honours system encourages aspirations and ideals of the highest standards and values within the Catholic Church.
All honours and awards are granted by the Holy Father and the local church only has a role in promoting nominations for the granting of such honours or awards.
Any Australian person worthy of grateful recognition by the Church and Society can be nominated for a papal award.
The system of Papal Honours for the laity comprises four separate orders, the most usual of which are the Orders of St Gregory the Great and the Order of St Sylvester.
Nominations can be made by any Australian citizen including any priest, religious brother, religious sister, other Catholic individual or church agency, commission or similar group.
As a general guide, three referees are required for each nomination in addition to the nominator’s comments.
In preparing the nomination, time should be devoted to considering why you think the nominee’s service and achievements are outstanding and worthy recognition through the honours system.
The person being nominated should not be approached for information or advised of his or her nomination at any stage.
When all relevant information has been obtained, the nomination is submitted to the Archbishop for consideration and, if supported by the Archbishop, to the Vatican Secretariat of State.
This process can take 18 months to 2 years.
Recipients will be advised in writing of the award of a papal honour by the Archbishop of Sydney after advice has been received from the Secretariat of State.
For more information and nomination forms see below: