Oblate is first Irish priest to receive Vatican medal

Fr Vincent Mulligan OMI was presented with the Vatican’s highest medal for healthcare

On Sunday, September 21 at the closing ceremony for the pilgrimage of the Anglo-Irish Province of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) to Lourdes, Fr Vincent Mulligan OMI, Director of the Pilgrimage, was presented with the Vatican's highest medal for healthcare – the Good Samaritan medal.

The Good Samaritan Medal is awarded by the Vatican to “those who serve the sick and suffering in an exceptional way”.

Pilgrimage

Fr Vincent (74) is originally from Co. Westmeath and has led the pilgrimage for 27 years.

He is based at the Oblate House of Retreat in Dublin’s Inchicore and is the first Irish person ever to receive this award. The medal was presented to him by Bishop Ray Field.