Written by I was privileged to join friends and dignitaries for the investiture of Yogi Sutton, a former NBCW president, who has been admitted as a Dame of St Gregory the Great by Pope Leo the XIV. On Sunday, 21 January at Corpus Christi church, Brixton Hill a huge gathering of people witnessed Yogi being presented with her award, which is one of the highest accolades for men and women in the Catholic Church.
Being one of the five orders of knighthood of the Holy See, this honour recognises and individual’s personal service to the Holy See and to the Catholic Church through their unusual labour, support and commitment. Knights are chosen because they are exemplars of their communities and their countries.
The event on Sunday was presided over by Canon Victor Darlington, Episcopal Vicar for the South-East Area, and four other priests.
The Mass, and the gospel of the day, provided a beautiful liturgy in which to recognise Yogi’s virtues as a tireless disciple of Christ. Significantly her ministry was not just confined to the parish but extended to working for racial justice within the organisation CARJ, to education and to justice for women.
She is truly an inspirational woman, and this award is testimony of how much she is loved and respected as a woman who has heard the calling of Christ, and who has become a servant of others. Well done, Yogi.
The attached photographs show aspects of the presentation, past presidents of the NBCW, and current members of the NBCW.
Jacintha Bowe
