TALLAHASSEE | Seventy-one pilgrims from 18 parishes in the Diocese of Palm Beach joined their counterparts from across Florida for Catholic Days at the Capitol in Tallahassee Feb. 10-12, 2026. The local group included 27 students plus chaperones from the three Catholic high schools in the diocese.
Sponsored by the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Days included a legislative briefing, meetings with lawmakers, an awards breakfast and the annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More.
At the conclusion of the Red Mass, a special presentation of the Benemerenti Medal was made to John Sowinski, a member of St. Helen Parish in Vero Beach and an alumnus of John Carroll High School. He is a founding partner of Orlando-based Consensus Communications and has more than 30 years of experience in public policy and media relations.
The Benemerenti Medal is a papal honor bestowed upon members of the clergy and laity in recognition of distinguished and exceptional service to the Catholic Church. It recognizes dedication, generosity and long-standing commitment to faith and good works.
At the request of Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami and the bishops of Florida, the Holy Father conferred the honor upon Sowinski in gratitude for his generous and faithful service to the church, particularly for his steadfast support of the work of the state Catholic conference in promoting human life and dignity and advancing the common good.
“We are pleased that members of his family are with us today, and we extend our sincere thanks to them as well, recognizing the shared sacrifice that such service entails,” said Michael Sheedy, FCCB executive director, during the award presentation. Sowinski lives near Fort Pierce with his wife, Patty, and they have three sons and two grandchildren.
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