A parishioner has been presented with one of the Catholic Church's highest honours, less than a week after celebrating his 80th birthday.Peter Whelan, of Rose Avenue, Rushden, was awarded the Benemerenti papal medal on Sunday by Father Joe Walsh, at St Peter, Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Rushden, on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI.
The medal, which means "well deserved", is only given to people who have shown exemplary service to their church, family and community.
Mr Whelan, who is the church's choirmaster and organist, said: "I was just getting ready to play the last hymn at mass when Father Joe told me not to because he had an important announcement to make.
"I was very surprised to receive the medal, I'd never realised people thought so much of me.
"Before you receive the award, it has to be approved by your parish priest and your background is looked into.
"For a while ,the parishioners were asking me questions about myself but I never wondered why – they're good enough to be in the secret service."
It was the second surprise in a number of days for Mr Whelan, who was treated to a surprise party at the church hall on Saturday, August 1, to mark his 80th birthday last Wednesday.
Mr Whelan has been choirmaster at St Peter's since 1978, has composed a number of masses and became the church's organist when the previous organist retired.
He leads the singing at the 6.30pm Saturday mass and the 10.30am Sunday sung mass every weekend and provides the music at funerals and weddings throughout the year.
Mr Whelan also entertains senior citizens at Christmas parties and at the church's meetings for people who are feeling lonely following bereavement.
A petition put forward by the parish to the Vatican said: "The list of tasks Peter quietly undertakes just seems to go on and on.
"The main reason for his nomination is his selfless dedication to serving the parish, its priest and parishioners."
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