Father Gilbert Burke, O.S.B., received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal (Latin for “for the church and the pope”) from Greensburg Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt at a prayer service at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg, April 29.

The award was established by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 and recognizes distinguished service to the church by lay people and clergy. It is the highest medal that can be awarded to the laity by the papacy. Father Gilbert is director of the Saint Vincent Development Club.

He served as pastor of Saint Vincent Basilica Parish (2003-2004), until being named senior priest in 2004. From 2004 to 2006, he was Assistant to the Archabbot at Saint Vincent Archabbey. Father Gilbert served as Director of Alumni at Saint Vincent College, when he was named Assistant to the President. He has served as Director of Alumni for Saint Vincent Seminary from 1996 to 2008, when he was named a consultant for Alumni Affairs. Other roles have included pastor at Saint Bruno Parish, South Greensburg, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Jeannette, and pastor of Saint Vincent Parish. He also has been a weekend assistant at Our Lady of Joy Parish, Holiday Park.