Cardinal William H. Keeler announced today that Thomas Lorsung, parishioner of St. John the Evangelist in Columbia and former director and editor-in-chief of Catholic News Service, will be invested as a Knight Commander of St. Gregory the Great.
The knighthood, given by Pope John Paul II at the request of Cardinal Keeler, dates back to 1831 and is one of the highest papal honors a lay person can receive. It recognizes meritorious service to the Church, personal character and reputation.
Mr. Lorsung retired from CNS in January of this year, after serving as director and editor-in-chief for 15 years and he has been a Consultor to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications since 1995.
“His (Mr. Lorsung’s) ability to disseminate in a positive manner news of our Church to the media has helped a great deal in encouraging our faithful people and in upholding truth,” Cardinal Keeler wrote in his letter to the Vatican requesting the honor.
The honor will be conferred at a ceremony later this year.