In half a century as a member of Forfar’s St Fergus Catholic Church, Bill Flight has pretty much seen and done it all.
From taking Holy Communion as a parishioner minister to using his career experience as a draughtsman to design and build a new church hall.
He’s even rolled up his sleeves to repair a boundary wall hit by cars three times in recent succession.
And now the 74-year-old has been recognised for his 50 years of dedication with the award of a prestigious Vatican medal by Pope Francis.
Rare honour
Dundee-born Bill has been award the Benemerenti Medal by Pope Francis.
He said the “unbelievable” honour was a humbling accolade.
And he paid special tribute to wife, Helen, with the couple having just celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.
They have three daughters and seven grandchildren, with many of the family at the medal ceremony.
“We moved to just outside Forfar when we were married in 1972 and came to St Fergus then,” said Bill.
“Since then we have felt that we wanted to give whoever was at St Fergus our support in whatever way we could.”
A number of priests in that time included Fr Eugene O’Sullivan.
It’s seen Bill serve as a reader and on church committees including 20 years as treasurer.
“I became a minister of the Eucharist in 1996 and was honoured and delighted for several years to take Holy Communion,” he said.
And a passion for music has been a feature of his time in Forfar.
“In 1975 I and other parishioners started a music group to sing the hymns during mass.
“I played guitar and have continued playing, alongside many different choir members over nearly 45 years.
“In recent years I have taken on full responsibility for running the choir and choosing the hymns for singing at mass.
“Recently I led a large group of about 30 parishioners and formed a choir to sing at the Inter Churches Remembrance celebrations.”
Helen has organised the children’s Christmas parties at the church for many years.
And between them the couple have led countless fundraisers.
Bill’s professional background has proved invaluable at both St Fergus and St Anthony’s in Kirriemuir.
Bill’s expertise has proved invaluable in a variety of projects, including design and build of a new hall at St Fergus and the church rewiring.
“It is a phenomenal thing for me to have received this, and the culmination of the work of so many at St Fergus,” said Bill.
“It’s a beautiful gold medal and something spectacular really, I’m very proud.”
The Benemerenti Medal presentation by Bishop of Dunkeld Stephen Robson also served as a farewell for Fr Tobias Okoro who is leaving St Fergus after seven years for a new post at St Pius X and St Patrick’s in Dundee.
The Benemerenti Medal was originally established as an award for soldiers in the Papal Army.
It is now a civil decoration but may still be awarded to members of the Pontifical Swiss Guards.
It was first given by Pope Pius VI in the late 18th century.
And in 1925, the concept of awarding the medal as a mark of recognition for service to the Catholic Church by clergy and the laity was established.
The medal is a gold Greek cross with Christ raising his hand in blessing.
Its yellow and white ribbon reflects the colours of the Papacy.