The Philippines’ Comedy Queen, AiAi delas Alas, has received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (For the Church and Pope) medal for her distinguished service to the church.
Bishop Antonio Tobias confirmed the recognition in a letter to the actress and described it as the highest award given by the Catholic Church lead by Pope Francis to lay persons.
The comedienne told media that she was praying for an acting award this year never expecting what she will receive would come from the Vatican.
As a Papal awardee, De Las Alas can now expect to receive invitations for special gatherings at the Vatican, the Catholic Church’s state capital.
De Las Alas is credited for helping stage the concert “For the Love of Mama” in November 2015 as a tribute to Virgin Mary.
The award-winning actress is active with fundraising projects for the construction of Kristong Hari Church in Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City, and for the Anawim Lay Missions Foundations, Inc. in Montalban, Rizal.
“‘Yun ‘yung talagang gusto ko noon pa—magkaroon naman ng kasaysayan ang buhay ko.
Kapag humarap ako kay Lord, ano bang na-contribute ko bukod sa pagpapatawa sa buong Pilipinas? Masasabi ko na naka-contribute naman ako sa iba Niyang anak at iba pa Niyang projects. (That’s what I’ve really wanted- to have real meaning in my life. When I face the Lord, what did I contribute aside from making the Filipino people laugh through comedy? I would say I was able to contribute much to His children and His projects),” De Las Alas said in the media interview.
The formal awarding will be held on November 11, which also happens to be De Las Alas’ birthday, at the Good Shepherd Cathedral in Novaliches, Quezon City.
Pope Leo XIII established this medal award to commemorate his golden sacerdotal jubilee to give recognition those who helped and promoted the jubilee.
