Browne, Ciriello honored at local ceremony
By Maureen Inouye
Sometimes it seems like the Vatican and the Pope are very far away and have no impact on our lives here on campus. But recently two members of the UP community received papal decorations - which just goes to show how good deeds here can have a far-reaching impact.
Sister Maria Ciriello, and the Rev. Joseph Browne, C.S.C., were given the Holy Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice at a ceremony in St. Mary's Cathedral in Portland on Jan. 13. This award, given by the Catholic Church and the Pope, recognizes outstanding service to the Catholic community. Ciriello currently serves as the dean of the School of Education while Browne is a past director of the Library and past dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
"It was a very big surprise," Ciriello said. "Completely unexpected."
This honor, established by Pope Leo XIII in 1888, was created to recognize important contributions to Catholic ministries. The name of the award, "Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice" translates to "For the Church and the Pope."
"Father Browne is really funny - and very sharp," Susan Hinken said. Hinken is Senior Librarian at the Library and Browne used to be her boss.
The actual medal, with gold and white ribbon to represent the papal colors, depicts St. Peter and St. Paul. It was bestowed by Portland Archbishop Vlazny. Ciriello and Browne, in receiving this award, are being recognized for their outstanding work in the Oregon Catholic community.
Ciriello's contributions include her work at UP since 1996, her position on the board of directors for Mt. Angel Seminary, and her work in starting the Pacific Alliance for Catholic Education (PACE). PACE is a program designed to provide well-qualified teachers for Catholic schools through the School of Education.
Browne's achievements also show dedication to Catholic education, as he worked at UP for 22 years. He helped to automate the Library system, increase the Library's collection, and oversaw the construction of the current building when he was director.
"He's a man of very broad interests. And he laid the groundwork for current cooperations with other libraries, like Summit," Hinken said.
Since 1994, Browne has been pastor of St. Birgitta's Church in Portland, but can still be seen on campus nearly every day at lunchtime. He has been part of several organizations as well, including the National Federation of Priests, the Catholic Library Association and the Oregon Youth Soccer Association.
"Actually, he's a huge baseball fan - Detroit Tigers," Hinken said.
Both Browne and Ciriello's diverse interests caught the attention of the Portland Archbishop Vlazny, who recommended them for the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross.
"I think the Archbishop wanted to honor an important ministry - education - and the University as well," Ciriello said. The Archbishop called her personally to give her the news.
"An award like this doesn't belong to any one person, but to everyone who made these things possible," Ciriello said.
