Pope Francis has awarded the Benemerenti medal for service to the Catholic Church to a Belfast woman.
Rita Goldsmith was formally presented with the award by the Bishop of Down and Connor Bishop Alan McGuckian at a ceremony today.
She was nominated by Fr Eugene O'Neill and the parish community at St Patrick's Church in Belfast in recognition of her "long and untiring service" to the Catholic community of Belfast.
Bishop McGuckian noted Ms Goldsmith's constant and devoted living vocation as a Christian musician.
He said at the heart of the award was her dedicated service to the Sacred Liturgy and ministry of music not only in St Patrick's, but in Clonard Monastery and many parishes where she has provided music.
The Benemerenti Medal was first awarded by Pope Pius VI in the 1700s, as a military decoration.
It is now a mark of recognition to civil, military, lay and clergy in service of the Catholic Church.
Earlier this month, singer and former MEP Dana Rosemary Scallon was conferred with a Papal honour, in recognition of her service to the Catholic Church.
Dana became the 14th Dame to be conferred in Ireland, after her investiture.
