The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (For the Church and Pope) medal or ‘Papal’ award was given to Comedy Queen AiAi Delas Alas. This award, also known as the ‘Cross of Honour,’is given by His Holiness, Pope Francis and is the highest award given to lay people for services done for the Catholic Church and its head.
The medal was established by Leo XIII on July 17, 1888, to commemorate his golden sacerdotal jubilee as was bestowed to men and women who aided and promoted the jubilee. During those times, the medal was cast in gold, silver or bronze. The current version however is only awarded in gold.
Bishop Tobias Official Letter, AiAi Delas Alas’ Response
A letter addressed to the Kapuso actress was given by Most Reverend Bishop Antonio Tobias confirming the award given to her. According to PEP, the letter says, “With great joy in my heart, it is my pleasure to notify you, MARTINA EILEEN HERNANDEZ DELAS ALAS, that Holy Mother Church through His Holiness Pope Francis, has awarded you the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (Latin for For Church and Pope) medal.” The bishop also mentioned, “Be it known that this is considered as the highest medal awarded to the laity by the Pope.”
In the report, AiAi said she wasn’t expecting it and felt like she didn’t deserve the award. She said, ““I am humbled and honored na nabigyan ako nito sa dami ng tao sa mundo, isa ako sa mga nabiyayaan.” She went on further to say, “Siguro ay magiging instrumento ako para palawakin ang Catilisismo at makatulong pa sa aking kapwa sa abot ng aking makakaya.” (Maybe I will be an instrument to widen the work of the Catholic Church and help others as much as I can.)
As an awardee, AiAi will be part of the Pope’s Household and she may be invited as part of special events in the Vatican Church. She tells GMA, “‘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)
AiAi Delas Alas Charity Work And Initiatives
AiAi is a Marian devotee. In November 2015, she help a concert entitled “For the Love of Mama” at the Mall of Asia, giving tribute to Mama Mary. This was a a fundraising project for Kristong Hari Church in Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City and the Anawim Lay Missions Foundation, Inc. at Montalban Rizal.
Formal awarding is expected to happen on November 11 (which also happens to be AiAi’s birthday) at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.
AiAis is not the first Filipino to win the Papal award. In 2013, Ryan Cayabyab, a musician, composer and conductor, received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award fro his contributions in the field of religious-themed compositions and sacred works. Among them are, “Eclesiastes,” “Misa” and “Birhen ng Caysasay.”