Sunday, October 07, 2012

Pope lauds hotelier for Lourdes trips

A celebrity hotelier who tours the country offering advice to struggling businesses has been honoured by the Pope for his dedication to the Catholic Church.

Francis Brennan, the flamboyant owner of the Park Hotel in Kenmare, Co Kerry, has received the Bene Merenti medal, one of the highest honours the Vatican can bestow.

The bachelor hotelier, who runs the five-star facility with his brother John, has been rewarded for assisting sick and disabled people from Kerry on an annual dio-cesan pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Mr Brennan, a dapper dresser who regularly enjoys the finer things in life, has volunteered his services to the pilgrimage organisers for the past 25 years.

He spends five days and nights every year working to make life more comfortable and enjoyable for those seeking comfort and peace of mind in the renowned place of pilgrimage in France.

The Brennan brothers are the co-presenters of the hugely successful RTÉ reality show At Your Service, in which they mentor hotel and guesthouse owners anxious to improve their businesses and boost revenues.

The Bene Merenti medal was first awarded by Pope Pius VI to recognise military merit during the 18th century.

In 1925, the honours scheme was widened to enable the pontiff to recognise the dedication and achievement of people who have been of great service to the Catholic Church.

One of the most famous recipients of a Bene Merenti Medal was Baroness Maria von Trapp, who was recognised by Pope Pius XII for her commitment to an aid programme for Austrians in need.