An Isle of Wight college principal is set to be made a Dame of the Papal Equestrian Order of Saint Gregory the Great, it has been announced.
Pat Goodhead, who heads up Christ the King College in Newport, will be awarded the prestigious accolade in recognition of her service to the Catholic Church in the new school year by the Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth, Philip Egan, on authority from his Holiness Pope Francis.
Speaking today, Bishop Philip Egan said:
“I am absolutely delighted at the Award the Holy Father has given to Patricia Goodhead. This is surely a recognition of the wonderful service she have given to education on the Isle of Wight, and also of her care and support of all Christians, not least to the Catholic community on the Island.”
Commenting on the award, Mrs Goodhead said:
“It is a great privilege to be the recipient of such a prestigious award. The news came as a complete surprise, rendering me unusually speechless but deeply grateful to those who deem me worthy of this honour. However, this is much more than a personal achievement; it is really a tribute to all those who have worked, and continue to work with me, to secure Catholic and Christian Secondary Education on the Isle of Wight. I count myself blessed to have such a wonderful job working daily with young people, and I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in the journey to achieve faith based education for current and future generations.“
