Two Adorno priests received Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross, given for distinguished service to the Church.

The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (“For Church and Pope”) was established by Leo XIII on July 17, 1888, to commemorate his golden sacerdotal jubilee and 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. Today it is given for distinguished service to the church by lay people and clergy. It is the highest medal that can be awarded to the laity by the Pope.

Below are short bios of two Adorno priests who received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross.

Father Nicholas Capetola, CRM is the retired pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Goose Creek. He is a native of Italy who was ordained in 1962 and started his ministry in the Diocese of Charleston in 1989. Along with his work in the Lowcountry, Father Capetola has also helped establish a seminary in the Philippines and written several books.

Father Frank Palmieri, CRM is a current pastor of St. Anne and St. Jude Church in Sumter, was born in Italy and came to the United States in and St. Jude Church in Sumter, was born in Italy and came to the United States in in South Carolina for more than 20 years, and previously served as pastor at Jesus Our Risen Savior Church in Spartanburg. Father Palmieri has also served as first superior of the Adorno Fathers’ House in Goose Creek and worked to recruit vocations for the Adorno Fathers.

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