Filipino veteran actress Nova Villa has been bestowed the Papal Award by Pope Francis, the highest form of recognition given by the Vatican to laypeople for their service to the church.
The 73-year-old “Pepito Manaloto” star was conferred the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross or the Cross of Honor for her exceptional service to the Catholic Church during a Mass held by Novaliches Bishop Roberto Gaa at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in Tandang Sora, Quezon City on January 14, 2021.
Novelita Villanueva Gallegos, better known as Nova Villa, told the church-run Radio Veritas846 in an interview that all her works in showbusiness are part of her mission to serve God.
“Yung ambisyon kong mag-artista became a mission, lahat ng ginagawa ko sa showbiz ay may kaakibat na misyon,” Nova Villa told Radio Veritas846.
Bishop Gaa praised the veteran comedian for helping share the Catholic faith with the local entertainment industry and emphasized that the distinction was a blessing as well as a big responsibility for all Papal Awardees.
The Filipino celebrity was nominated for the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in June 2019 along with six other recipients of the award which recognizes laypersons with outstanding contributions and distinguished service to the Pope and the Church.
The Philippines’ Comedy Queen and Papal Awardee AiAi delas Alas who received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal in 2016, is among fellow celebrities who congratulated the veteran actress for her achievement.
“Congratulations tita NOVA VILLA for your papal award ( pro ecclesia et pontifice is awarded for those who in a general way deserves well of the pope on account of service done for the church and its head) .. we are very happy and rejoicing with you ( my co papal awardee 😊 ),” AiAi delas Alas wrote in an Instagram post.
Pope Leo XIII established the medal award to commemorate his golden sacerdotal jubilee to give recognition to those who helped and promoted the jubilee.
Pope Francis appointed Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio “Chito” Tagle to the post of Prefect for Evangelization in the Vatican and was elected as a new member of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue.
SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to Filipino veteran actress Nova Villa for receiving the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award, the highest form of recognition given by the Vatican to laypeople!
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