On Palm Sunday, 9th April 2017, Bishop Nicholas Hudson celebrated Mass at Saint Mary and St Michael Church, Commercial Road. At the end of Mass, he presented parishioner Mrs Tess Doran with the Benemerenti for her dedicated service to the parish. Tess has been volunteering in the sacristy and around the church for over 47 years, assisting 11 Parish Priests, including current PP Fr William Skehan. The Benemerenti medal is an honour awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for dedicated service to the Catholic Church.