A Catholic layman in southern India, has been honored posthumously with the highest papal award given to a layperson for contributing to the Church through his songs.

The late Wilfy Rebimbus was honored with the Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice (for Church and Pope) award by Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza on June 13 at Milagres Church in Mangalore.

The award carries a memento and a certificate, which was signed by Pope Benedict XVI on Jan. 25, said Father Andrew D’Souza, pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish where Rebimbus was born.

However, the award reached the Mangalore Bishop’s house only in June, three months after Rebimbus’ death on March 9.

Rebimbus, who was 68 years old when he died, composed nearly 1,000 songs in the local Konkani language. These devotional songs are sung in Mangalore churches.

The award “is a recognition for his lifelong contribution to the Church,” said Father D’Souza, who celebrated a Mass for Rebimbus on June 20 together with his family members and parishioners.

The priest lamented that the award did not reach Rebimbus while he was alive.

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