Scouts receive medals that shine bright in God’s eyes

Story and photos by Anthony Richards

The Diocese of St. Augustine held its 46th Annual Scout Religious Medal Recognition Ceremony on March 22 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine.

Scouts from various parishes across the diocese attended the ceremony to receive their respective medals, which Father Rafael Lavilla, who serves as the chaplain for the committee on Catholic Scouting, presented to them.

Father Lavilla expressed to all the scouts in attendance that the religious medals they received hold more meaning than any of the other medals they have.

“At the end of the day the real calling is Jesus asking you to be merciful, pure of heart and peacemakers,” he said. “No matter what, God loves you and he will be with you.”

He talked about how he has had the privilege over the years to see young boys become not just great men, but faithful men of God as chaplain on the committee.

“Those medals you received will not fade, but instead they will shine every time you wear them, especially in the presence and the eyes of God,” he said.

According to Robin Shipley, Diocese of St. Augustine Office of Youth & Young Adults director, stated that many young Catholics stop practicing their faith once they get to college, but she said that those with five people active in their lives and being strong supporters of the faith has been seen to make a difference and strengthen their faith lives.

“Please, I encourage you to find your five to walk with your young person,” Shipley said. “Your scout leader is one and getting involved in your parish youth ministry goes a long way in establishing that support as well. It is so important.”

The organizations represented during the award ceremony included Scouting America, Girl Scouts, Trail Life USA and American Heritage Girls.

Each award was faith-based and recognized scouts who have shown spiritual growth and developed their relationship with God in their daily lives.

There were also a couple of adult awards handed out with Bruce Crichton of Our Lady Star of the Sea and Assumption Parishes earning the St. George Emblem and Reggie Dubay of St. John the Baptist Parish receiving the Bronze Pelican.

Both were recognized for their decades of service to the local scouting community.

Christ the King Troop 9005 was awarded the Pope Paul VI National Catholic Unit Excellence Award.

List of medal recipients:

Cathedral Parish

Audra Mildrum

St. Francis of Assisi

Lucas Becker

Queen of Peace

Isabella Williamson

St. Patrick Gainesville

Ezra Chin

Gabriel Chin