Honouring Dedication: Mr. Vincent Lepore Receives the Benemerenti Medal
Mr. Vincent Lepore, a dedicated Science teacher at Cathedral High School since the late 1980s, was recently honoured with the Benemerenti Medal for his exceptional service and contributions to Catholic education and the community.
"The Benemerenti Medal is a tremendous honour that truly humbles me," said Mr. Lepore. "This award, recognizing exceptional accomplishments and service to the Catholic Church, holds immense significance. To be considered for such an award is a great honour. And to actually be a recipient of this papal honour is very humbling. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be nominated and to receive this award."
Throughout his tenure at Cathedral High School, Mr. Lepore has left an indelible mark on countless students, integrating the teachings of Jesus’ Gospel and the Church into his science curriculum. Notably, he spearheaded the creation of the "Scientist of Faith" murals within the Science department, showcasing the religious devotion and remarkable achievements of renowned scientists. Additionally, Mr. Lepore established the Cathedral Wall of Distinction, a tribute to distinguished alumni dating back to 1914, and a new War Memorial commemorating the 74 Cathedral students who made the ultimate sacrifice during World Wars I and II.
Beyond the classroom, Mr. Lepore's commitment to service extends to his involvement in various parish activities within the Hamilton Diocese. As Youth Director of the Knights of Columbus, he has organized local and district-wide free throw competitions, fostering camaraderie and community engagement.
Mr. Lepore received this prestigious recognition on Sunday, November 26, 2023, alongside 15 other distinguished individuals, both clergy and lay, from the Hamilton Diocese. The ceremony took place at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, where Gerald Cyprian Cardinal Lacroix, Primate of Canada, and Archbishop of Quebec City, along with the Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, Bishop of Hamilton, conferred the honours.
Reflecting on this honour, Rocco Valeri, Vice-Principal at Cathedral High School, and previous recipient, expressed his pride in Mr. Lepore's achievements. Alongside Mario Bilich, a retired teacher from Cathedral HS, who also received Papal Honors in 2021, and Nat Gallo, another esteemed Cathedral HS graduate and Knights of Columbus member, Mr. Lepore joins a distinguished cohort of individuals recognized for their dedication and service.
The HWCDSB community extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Lepore on this well-deserved honour, recognizing his impact on generations of students and his unwavering commitment to Catholic education and faith.
