Comedian Ai Ai de las Alas is incredulous the Catholic Church has given her the Papal award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice.
The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (Latin: For Church and Pope) medal is an award of the Roman Catholic Church, also known as the “Cross of Honour,” established by Leo XIII on July 17, 1888, to commemorate his golden sacerdotal jubilee. It was originally bestowed on those men and women who had aided and promoted the jubilee, and by other means assisted in making the jubilee and the Vatican Exposition successful.
It is currently given to lay people and clergy for their distinguished service to the church. It is the highest medal that can be awarded to the laity by the Pope.
De las Alas has been quietly helping the local Catholic Church, particularly the Diocese of Novaliches headed by Bishop Antonio Tobias whose parish priests unanimously recommended the comedian to be given the distinguished Papal medal.
The conferment ceremony will be on Nov. 11 at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, coinciding with the actress’ 51st birthday. The only other Filipino in the entertainment business who received the same medal was musician Ryan Cayabyab several years ago.
According to Bishop Tobias, the award is in recognition of De las Alas’ “distinguished service to the church.” Among which was the construction of the Kristong Hari Church on Commonwealth Avenue and the Anawim Lay Missions Foundation, Inc. in Montalban, Rizal.
Ai Ai admitted she was surprised when she was told about the recognition.
“Alam ko ni-nominate ako pero ’di ko in-expect,” she said. “Nu’ng sinabi nila sa akin, umiyak ako. Sabi ko, ‘Lord hindi po ako karapat-dapat sa award na ito pero tinatanggap ko po, thank you po.’”
She plans to visit the Vatican to extend her gratitude to Pope Francis personally.
Asked how the award would bear on her being an entertainer, she said, “Hindi naman ako magbabago sobra pero siyempre pag-iisipan kong mabuti ’yung mga gagawin ko. Like siguro ’pag concert, hindi na ako magta-tangga, mas wholesome na kahit paano.”.
Father Erick Santos, a good friend of Ai Ai’s, shared, “Alam ng Roma ang lahat ng tungkol sa kanya, pati ang kanyang nakaraan. Hindi naman ibig sabihin nito ay tinuturing na siya na parang pakabanal-banal. Kinikilala lamang nito ’yung pagmamahal at pagmamalaskit na pinapakita niya sa simbahan. Simbolo ito na sa kabila ng ating mga nagiging kahinaan, pagkakamali, tinitignan pa rin ng simbahan ang ating kabutihan.”
Brother Michael Angelo Lobrin added, “Hindi naman ibig sabihin nito ay santa na si Ai Ai. Ito’y hamon sa kanyang pagiging Katoliko, sa kanyang pananampalataya, ito’y may karampatang responsibilidad. Ito ay hamon ng patuloy na pagpapanibago or complete change. Sana maging inspirasyon ito lalo na sa mga Katolikong artista na nagtitiyaga at nagsisipag na maglingkod sa Inang Simbahan.”
“Sa totoo lang, ang mga kahinaan ko – ang mga nangyari sa buhay ko – ’yun ’yung nagpapalakas sa faith ko,” De las Ala, a Marian devotee, shared.
“Ganun naman ang buhay eh, cycle ’yan. Minsan dapang-dapa ka then babangon ka ulit. Tine-test lang ni Lord ’yung faith mo.”
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