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Jim is all knight after Pope’s special honour

15/ 5/2008

HEYWOOD MP Jim Dobbin has been awarded a prestigious Papal Knighthood by Pope Benedict XVI.

Catholic Mr Dobbin received a letter of conformation from the Archbishop of Westminster that he had been appointed as a Knight of the Order of St Gregory the Great.

The letter reads: "I am particularly pleased as the award is given in recognition of your service to the Catholic Church in the public witness of faith as a parliamentarian and as a staunch advocate of the dignity of all human life."

Mr Dobbin has campaigned tirelessly in parliament to uphold the Catholic way of life, such as his work on the Children and Adoption Bill and the upcoming Human Fertilisation and Embryo Bill.

Mr Dobbin said: "It came right out of the blue. I was shocked.

"It’s recognition for my team in the House of Commons who work on the issues. Somebody thought there was a lot of work going on in these areas. It does throw some credit on the staff I have got who work for me in these areas.

"I’m very happy and pleased. I’m very proud that it’s happened. It’s something I never, ever considered."

He will receive his award on 30 June from the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Faustino Sainz Munoz and the Archbishop of Westminster.

Mr Dobbin, who underwent an operation to replace his left knee on Tuesday as it had worn away due to cartilage damage, is hoping to be more mobile by that time.

l The Order of St. Gregory is one of the five pontifical orders of knighthood in the Catholic Church. The order is bestowed on Catholic men and women (and in rare cases, non-Catholic men) in recognition of their service to the Church, unusual labours, support of the Holy See and the good example set in their communities and country.

l The Order’s motto is Pro Deo et Principe.

l Members of the order have no privileges, except the right of riding on a horse inside the Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

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