Vatican Cross of Honour

Vatican Cross of Honour. A cross patonce with a fleur-de-lis between the arms. Obverse: In the centre a medallion with the bust of Pope Leo XIII, facing left, within a circlet inscribed 'LEO XIII P.M. ANN. X.'. A comet star is in the centre of each arm. Reverse: In the centre the crossed keys of the Vatican surrounded by 'PRO ECCLESIA ET PONTIFICE' (For the Church and the Holy See) in a circlet. The inscription on the arms reads 'CAL' (top), 'PRID' (left), 'IAN' (right) and '1888' (lower). The medal is fitted with a loose ring suspender and a piece of 37 mm red ribbon that has side stripes of white/yellow/white.

Instituted by Pope Leo XIII in 1888, to celebrate his golden jubilee as a priest, this award has continued as a Cross of Honour for services to the Church and the Holy See. Originally awarded in gold, silver or bronze, in 1908 Pope Pius X changed it to a gold only decoration. This medal is part of a collection assembled by the late Hon. Sir Thomas Hughes, Member of the Legislative Council of New South Wales. It was presented to the Memorial in memory of his son, Captain Roger Forrest Hughes, Australian Army Medical Corps, who died of wounds in France on 11 December 1916 and his grandson, Flying Officer Peter Roger Forrest Hughes, 12 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, who was killed on active service while flying in the Northern Territory on 3 October 1942.