Pontifical Honor Bestowed on Longtime Diocesan Servant

On Saturday August 3, 2024 Bishop William A. Wack, CSC, on behalf of the Holy See, presented Mrs. Teena Easter with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal to honor her outstanding services to the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee in a variety of roles stretching across more than four decades.

Originally instituted in the late 19th century by Pope Leo XIII, this honor is given to a distinguished layperson or priest after recommendation by the local bishop.

Teena, a parishioner of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, has held various positions in the diocese. Most notably she assisted the Department of Youth Ministry for 17 years before becoming the Executive Secretary of the Bishop's Office for more than two decades, serving under Bishop John Smith and Bishop John Ricard. Following Bishop Ricard's retirement, Teena was an essential local aide for Archbishop Wenski while he served as Apostolic Administrator for the diocese. She retired in 2014 but continues to assist whenever and wherever possible.

An honor for the entire Church in Northwest Florida, it is the first time someone from the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee has been a recipient of this medal since the Jubilee Year of 2000.

CLICK HERE to see a gallery of images from the Mass where the award was presented.