Hungarian Honorary Consul Stephen J. Gergatz presented the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary to the Most Reverend Philip Matthew Hannan, Former Achbishop of the Diocese of New Orleans, for his active promotion of the Hungarian-American relations and for the cultivation of the memory of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution in the United States of America. The award presentation took place during the Century Club Gala Dinner of the Society of the St. Vincent de Paul in the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel in the French Quarter of New Orleans, LA on Wednesday, November 19.

Former New Orleans Archbishop Philip Matthew Hannan is presented with the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republci of Hungary by Hungarian Honorary Consul Stephen J. Gergatz, MD

Archbishop Hannan received two other awards that evening: he was also honored by the  Society of St. Vincent de Paul and by 82^nd Airborne Parachute Regiment, where he served as a chaplain for 6 years during WW2. 

Former New Orleans Archbishop Philip Matthew Hannan and Journalist Julianna Bika, wife of Hungarian Honorary Consul Stephen J. Gergatz, MD

The fundraising dinner was organized by Ozanam Inn St. Vincent de Paul Society Financial Planner and Board Director Paul Claudel. Ozanam Inn is a special homeless shelter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and was established in 1955. The dinner was attended by Catholic dignitaries and local businessmen along with two officers from the 82^nd Airborne Parachute Regiment and local church supporters.

 

Ozanam Inn Board Member Paul Claudel, Colonel Bryan Owens of the 82nd Airborne Parachute Regiment, Journalist Julianna Bika, and Hungarian Honorary Consul Stephen J. Gergatz, MD

Former New Orleans Archbishop Philip Matthew Hannan is currently finishing is memoirs, to be published next year.