Archbishop Leonard P. Blair presents Jim Smith, who was named by Pope Francis as a “Knight of St. Gregory the Great,” with a framed document from the pope as well as the Cross of the Papal Order of St. Gregory the Great at St. Thomas Chapel in Bloomfield. Photo by Aaron Joseph

Story by Shelley Wolf

BLOOMFIELD – On behalf of Pope Francis, Archbishop Leonard P. Blair conferred papal honors upon James Smith, following a Solemn Vespers Prayer Service April 18 at St. Thomas Chapel in the Pastoral Center in Bloomfield.

In a chapel filled with clergy and invited guests, James Smith, a board member of the Hartford Bishops’ Foundation and previously its founding general chairman, was publicly recognized by the pope as a “Knight of St. Gregory the Great.”

“Today we celebrate the honor afforded to Mr. James Smith,” Archbishop Blair said, “a man of community service, of leadership and stature. A devoted husband and father, with Cathy his wife and his lovely family, deeply and generously committed and devoted to the good of the Church and the wider community in which we live.”

Jim Smith greets his pastor, Father James Sullivan of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, outside St. Thomas Chapel. Photo by Aaron Joseph

Smith found himself nearly speechless after being presented with the Cross of the Papal Order of St. Gregory the Great. “It’s almost beyond comprehension and beyond words. I’m so deeply honored,” he said, during the reception that followed. “I must really endeavor to be worthy of this honor.”

After a bit of reflection, Smith noted that he was both surprised and grateful “to realize that all the things Cathy and I have worked on over many, many years are being looked at as a body of work that is worthy of special recognition. When the archbishop told me he petitioned for the honor, I was completely overwhelmed with joy and gratitude.”

Under Smith’s leadership, the Hartford Bishops’ Foundation successfully raised funding for the Catholic Church through the Forward with Faith capital campaign. As a result, the foundation was able to award grants to more than 100 parishes, schools and ministries in the archdiocese. The foundation also contributed a portion of the funds needed for the new Cathedral Community Center, which houses the Malta House of Care Clinic and the Cathedral Food Pantry.

Currently chairman of the Trinity Health of New England Board of Directors, Smith is also general chairman of the Harold Webster Smith Foundation. Additionally, he has held leadership roles with the local United Way.

“We don’t really accomplish anything alone. It’s how we interact and engage with other people to make good things happen that matters the most,” Smith said, acknowledging the many people who supported him and participated in the collective good works for the Catholic Church and the greater community.

Cathy Smith, his wife, is noted for her own philanthropic work and volunteerism. She was previously recognized with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontiface Cross. “Nothing I do is without her complete support,” her husband added.

The Papal Order of St. Gregory the Great, a Papal Knighthood, was created by Pope Gregory XVI in 1831, and is the highest honor the pope bestows in recognition of service to the Catholic Church through unusual labors and excellent example of significant contributions to society.

Pope Gregory XVI was also the pontiff who established the Diocese of Hartford in Connecticut in 1843.