A Tradition Restored After 40 Years – Bishop presents the Our Lady of the Assumption Award along with Medal of Honor to faithful servants of the Diocese.
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GREENSBURG – The Diocese of Greensburg celebrated a historic milestone Oct. 7 at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral with Solemn Evening Prayer and the presentation of two special Diocesan honors as part of the Diocese’s 75th anniversary celebration.
For the first time in 40 years, Bishop Larry J. Kulick presented the Our Lady of the Assumption Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Diocese of Greensburg, to 11 recipients. The award, named for the patroness of the Diocese of Greensburg, recognizes a lifetime of meritorious service. It is reserved for individuals whose faithful witness, generosity and dedication have made extraordinary contributions to the mission and life of the Diocese.
“The faithful men and women of our Diocese have helped shape our history through lives of service, sacrifice and steadfast faith,” Bishop Kulick said. “As we celebrate 75 years as a Diocese, it is fitting that we recognize those whose commitment to Christ and His Church has inspired generations and strengthened our parishes, ministries and communities.”
In addition to the Our Lady of the Assumption Award, Bishop Kulick presented the Diocesan Medal of Honor to more than 100 parishioners and community members from across the Diocese. He recognized them for their outstanding service to their parishes, the Diocese of Greensburg and the broader mission of the Church. The award honors individuals whose dedication reflects Christ’s love through ministry, leadership and service to others.
As the Diocese continues its anniversary year, the awards ceremony provided an opportunity not only to celebrate a rich legacy of faith but also to honor those whose lives exemplify the values of discipleship, stewardship and service that continue to shape the future of the local Church.
The Most Reverend Lawrence T. Persico, JCL
Bishop of Erie
A native of Monessen and a son of the Diocese of Greensburg, Bishop Lawrence T. Persico was ordained to the priesthood in 1977. Throughout his ministry in Greensburg, he served in numerous leadership roles, including chancellor, vicar general, moderator of the curia and pastor. Recognized for his expertise in canon law and Diocesan administration, he was named a Monsignor in 2005. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him the 10th Bishop of Erie, where he continued to provide pastoral and administrative leadership to the Church of Erie.
Father Justin Nolan, OSB
Saint Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe
Ordained in 1955, Benedictine Father Justin Leo Nolan has devoted more than seven decades to Benedictine life, priestly ministry and Catholic higher education. A longtime professor of philosophy at Saint Vincent College and Saint Vincent Seminary, he taught for 55 years and served as chairman of the Philosophy Department. He also held leadership roles within Saint Vincent Archabbey, including director of the College Scholasticate and guestmaster. Beloved for his wisdom, hospitality and service, Father Justin’s lifelong dedication to faith, learning and the Benedictine tradition has enriched generations of students, seminarians and monks.
Father Warren D. Murrman, OSB
Saint Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe
Benedictine Father Warren D. Murrman has dedicated more than 60 years to priestly formation, education and monastic service. Ordained in 1965, he served for 54 years on the faculty of Saint Vincent Seminary, shaping generations of seminarians. A noted liturgical scholar, theologian, historian and author, he earned advanced degrees in Germany and contributed extensively to Catholic education and scholarship. In recognition of his impact on priestly formation, he received the Nova et Vetera Award in 2023. His lifelong ministry exemplifies Benedictine scholarship, service and devotion to the Church.
Monsignor William R. Rathgeb, JCL
Judicial Vicar Emeritus
Diocese of Greensburg
Monsignor William R. Rathgeb has devoted nearly 60 years of priestly service to the Diocese of Greensburg. Ordained in 1967, he served in parish ministry, campus ministry, chaplaincy and Diocesan leadership. A respected canon lawyer, he served as judicial vicar for more than 30 years and spent nearly five decades in the Tribunal Office, guiding the Church’s judicial ministry with fairness and compassion. Named a Monsignor in 2005, he helped countless faithful through marriage and canonical cases while remaining steadfast in his commitment to the Eucharist and pastoral care.
The Reverend Monsignor James T. Gaston
Diocese of Greensburg
Ordained to the priesthood in 1970 at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Monsignor James T. Gaston has dedicated more than five decades of service to the Diocese of Greensburg. He has served as pastor, educator, seminary spiritual director, campus minister, Diocesan education leader and author. Named a Chaplain to His Holiness by Pope John Paul II in 2005, he was granted the title of Monsignor. Following his retirement from parish ministry in 2021, he continued serving as director of the International Priests Program and director of Neumann House while assisting parishes throughout the Diocese. His ministry reflects a lifelong commitment to priestly formation, education, and pastoral leadership.
Monsignor Raymond E. Riffle, MSW, MPA, VG
Vicar General
Diocese of Greensburg
Rector of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg
Ordained in 1979, Monsignor Raymond E. Riffle has faithfully served the Diocese of Greensburg for more than four decades. A dedicated pastor, educator, administrator and advocate for those in need, he served as executive director of Catholic Charities for more than 25 years, earning the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. Throughout his priesthood, he has held numerous Diocesan leadership positions and currently serves as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia. Recognized for his pastoral heart, commitment to charitable outreach and dedication to priestly formation, Monsignor Riffle continues to provide compassionate leadership to the Diocesan Church.
Mother Mary Anne Noll, OSB
Saint Emma Monastery, Greensburg
Mother Mary Anne Noll has devoted more than six decades to Benedictine religious life at Saint Emma Monastery. Entering the community in 1962, she professed vows in 1964 and was elected Prioress in 1993. In 2010, she became the monastery’s first Conventual Prioress. Throughout more than 30 years of leadership, she has guided the community with a steadfast commitment to Benedictine values of prayer, hospitality and service. As one of the monastery’s longest-serving members, she remains a living link to the rich history and enduring mission of Saint Emma Monastery.
Sister Mary Norbert Long, SC
Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill
Sister of Charity Mary Norbert Long has devoted more than four decades to Catholic education, religious leadership and social justice advocacy. Elected Provincial Superior of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in 2026, she previously served as First Councilor for 14 years. A respected educational leader, she spent 28 years as principal of Saint Mary-Basha Catholic School in Arizona and also served as superintendent of Tucson Catholic Schools and interim principal of Greensburg Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School. She has been a strong advocate against human trafficking and helped establish the Westmoreland County Human Trafficking Task Force. Her ministry reflects a deep commitment to faith, service, education and human dignity.
Miss Eleanor Hamrock
Holy Cross Parish, Youngwood
A lifelong parishioner of Holy Cross Parish, Eleanor Hamrock recently celebrated her 99th birthday and has spent nearly a century serving the parish she loves. For the past 37 years, she has faithfully served as sacristan, preparing the church for Mass and assisting generations of priests. Following her retirement, she devoted herself full time to parish service, continuing a commitment that began in childhood while helping her father, the parish custodian. Known for her deep faith, humility and knowledge of parish history, Hamrock remains a beloved presence at Holy Cross. Her life reflects a remarkable legacy of faith, service and devotion to the Church.
Mrs. Sheila Murray, CPA, MBA, CDFM, CGMA
Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Parish, Greensburg
Mrs. Sheila Murray faithfully served the Diocese of Greensburg for 30 years, including 12 years as chief financial officer. Beginning her Diocesan career in 1996, she provided exceptional financial leadership, stewardship and guidance to Diocesan leadership, the Finance Council and numerous Diocesan ministries. Recognized for her professionalism, integrity and dedication, her work helped ensure the long-term financial stability of the Diocese. In recognition of her outstanding service, she received the Saint Matthew Medal for exemplifying leadership, evangelization and service to others.
Mrs. Sharyn Zalno
Saint Barbara Parish, Harrison City
Mrs. Sharyn Zalno has dedicated more than four decades to Catholic education. She served the Diocese of Greensburg as director of Curriculum and Instruction from 2016 until her retirement in 2022, following years as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and educational leader in Catholic schools throughout Western Pennsylvania. She also served as interim principal of Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School, Connellsville, and assistant principal at Oakland Catholic High School. Even in retirement, she continued mentoring new principals and supporting Catholic school leadership. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to faith-based education and student success.
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