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July 30, 2025Edmond couple admitted into papal order
EDMOND – Ken and Karen Kenworthy have a special devotion to supporting Catholic education, among other things. Many other things Catholic. In many places.
The couple’s repeated commitment to giving, and the impact it’s created, has been recognized, now all the way to the Vatican.
The Kenworthys, parishioners at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edmond, were recently admitted to the Papal Order of Saint Gregory the Great, a special order dating back centuries and one of five orders of knighthood of the Holy See. Ken is now a knight and Karen a dame of the order.
Archbishop Coakley nominated the Kenworthys for the honor and presented the couple with certificates and medals at their home in Edmond.
“That was a surprise to Ken and I. We had no idea that archbishop had nominated us,” Karen said. “I mean, it's one of the highest papal orders there is. It's not something that you sign up for.”
The honor is bestowed upon Catholic men and women, as well as certain non-Catholics, in recognition of their personal service to the Holy See and to the Catholic Church, through their unusual labors, their support of the Holy See and the examples they set in their communities and their countries.
“I nominated Ken and Karen Kenworthy for membership in the Order of Saint Gregory the Great in recognition of their years of dedication and faithful service to the Church,” Archbishop Coakley said. “As a knight and a dame of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of Saint Gregory the Great, the Kenworthys do not assume any additional duties or obligations but are being recognized for their lifelong commitment to supporting and advancing the mission of the Church, both the universal Church and our local Church.
“I am grateful to the Holy See for bestowing this honor on Ken and Karen.”
The Pontifical Equestrian Order of Pope Gregory the Great was established on Sept. 1, 1831, by Pope Gregory XVI, seven months after he was elected pope. The order’s motto is Pro Deo et Principe – “For God and Ruler.” It is bestowed by authority of the pope, in this case Pope Francis, following a detailed nomination process, in recognition of a person’s exceptional service to the Catholic faith and the Church.
The list of those admitted to the order, now including the Kenworthys, includes ambassadors, diplomats, politicians, entrepreneurs, philosophers, theologians, artists and others. And there are some familiar names, like G.K Chesterton, Bob Hope and Rupert Murdoch.
The Kenworthys have a long history of supporting Catholic education – locally and in the Holy Land – as well as parishes and the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine, pro-life causes and the poor and homeless, among other missions.
“It was just really, really kind of archbishop,” Karen said. “I don't have words to express, you know, because you don't do these things for recognition. It’s nice to be recognized. But you want to stay humble and maintain respect. It was very, very overwhelming.”
John Helsley is the editor of the Sooner Catholic.
Photo: Ken and Karen Kenworthy were recently admitted to the Papal Order of St. Gregory the Great. Archbishop Coakley nominated them and presented the couple with certificates and medals at their home in Edmond. Photo provided.