Tooting residents Tereza Lobo and Nina Pinto have each been awarded the prestigious Papal honour of the Benemerenti Medal by Pope Benedict for years of service to the community. The medal was introduced in to honour those who have long served both the Catholic Church and their local community.  Mrs. Lobo was awarded for exceptional voluntary leadership of Brownies and Guides, and Mrs. Pinto for her work with the Goan community.

Mrs. Lobo and Mrs. Pinto were awarded their medals at St. Boniface Church in Tooting on Sunday 10th April, 2011 by Bishop Paul Hendricks. Tooting MP, Sadiq Khan MP also attended the mass to congratulate both Mrs. Lobo and Mrs. Pinto.

Sadiq Khan MP said: ‘I am very proud of both Tereza and Nina.’

‘Through her voluntary work with Guides and Brownies, Tereza she has helped hundreds local girls have amazing experiences and learn new skills.’

‘It has been popular for politicians to encourage people to work for their local community. However these awards show that Tooting residents have been making huge contributions to the community for years. Tereza and Nina really are community heroes.’

‘It was a lovely service and the least these two amazing women deserve.’