Kildare woman receives Benemerenti Medal for commitment to Carmelite Church
Esther Brady with her husband Jim, son Conor, daugther Carol and Bishop Denis Nulty
A Kildare town woman has been awarded the Benemerenti Medal for her longstanding work at the Carmelite Church and the Catholic Men and Women's Society (CMWS).
Esther Brady from St Brigid’s branch of the CMWS Kildare was awarded the papal medal after she was nominated by the national executive of the CMWS.
The award was presented by Bishop Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin, on Wednesday 16 July, after a Mass in the Carmelite Church on the feast day of our Lady of Mount Carmel.
In attendance at the ceremony was cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council Carmel Kelly, Betty Barry Hon. Secretary, representing the national executive of the CMWS Dublin.
Esther was born in 1956. Educated by the Presentation Sisters Kildare. From Esther’s early teenage years, she became an active member of the youth club under the banner of St Brigid’s Branch of the CMWS (formally the CYMS). This membership further developed to Esther’s involvement in the CMWS Badminton club.
Esther is a very active member of the community and a superb fundraiser for various charities both local and national. She is a third generation of her family, like her grandmother and, to commit to and the promotion of the Carmelite Order in Kildare Town.
In 1996, Esther with others, organised a group of pilgrims to travel to Lourdes from Kildare parish. As years progressed, the group came under the banner of the Kildare Lourdes Carmelite Order. The group travel to Lourdes annually each September under the national body of the Carmelite Order.
In the preparation for these trips, sick pilgrims from the local community are nominated to travel.
Transition students from the local community college are also selected to travel as helpers with the aged and sick pilgrims. This September will see the pilgrimage depart for its 37th year.
Speaking about Lourdes, and pilgrimages, with the sick, Esthers response was: “I really love the commitment, it’s also a way of giving back to others less fortunate with good health. If you are going to give of your time to others, do it to assist others, and not for any personal gain.” Esther would be the driving force behind various fundraising events, along with the Lourdes committee, in order to secure places for the sick travelling to the holy shrine.
Esther has a special devotion to our Lady from a very early age. While she has deep faith, to Esther, religion is a personal thing, and how people practice their faith is their own business.
She is married to husband Jim, and they have adult children and grandchildren. Esther is a respected member of our community who always puts others before herself. St Brigid’s branch of the CMWS Kildare is one of the success stories, thanks to its founding members, past and present.
Over 480 adults and children pass through the doors of the CMWS on a weekly to partake in a variety of activities. Sunday night bingo in the hall is one of the most popular bingos in the area. Esther is the current treasurer and is also a member of the national executive of the CMWS and contributes in the most positive way in the promotion of the CMWS.
Originally a military decoration for the Papal Army, it is now bestowed upon clergy and laity for their contributions. The medal features an image of Christ or the Pope on one side and the inscription "Bene Merenti" (well deserving).
