Nova Villa honored with highest papal award
Nova Villa at the GMA Artist Center back in 2015 (Image: INQUIRER/Alexis Corpuz)
Veteran actress Nova Villa has been bestowed the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award, the highest papal award the Vatican can give a layperson.
The 73-year-old “Miss Granny” star received the medal at a ceremony held yesterday, Jan 14., at the San Lorenzo Parish in Quezon City, as per Veritas 846 today.
Villa, whose real name is Novelita Gallegos, was given the said award for her distinguished service to the Catholic Church and for her strong devotion to God.
“Yung ambisyon kong mag-artista became a mission; lahat ng ginagawa ko sa showbiz ay may kaakibat na misyon (My ambition to be an actress became a mission; everything I do in show biz comes with a mission),” she told the Church-run radio station.
“Bukal sa puso ko yung anything na ginagawa ko for God; I’m happy to do it kahit mahirap (All the things I do for God, I do with a willing heart; I’m happy even if it is difficult),” she added.
The veteran actress also highlighted that she thinks she is “just an instrument of God’s grace to people,” explaining that by being nice to others and by giving them a smile, “you’re giving them hope.”
Comedienne Ai-ai delas Alas, also a recipient of the prestigious papal award, meanwhile, took to Instagram yesterday to congratulate the veteran actress.
“Congratulations tita NOVA VILLA for your papal award (pro ecclesia et pontifice is awarded for those who in a general way deserves well of the pope on account of service done for the church and its head) .. we are very happy and rejoicing with you (my co papal awardee) .. and thank you for spreading GOD’s goodness and mercy.. TO GOD BE THE GLORY ALWAYS AND FOREVER,” Delas Alas said.
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Villa, along with six others, was nominated to receive the award by the retired Novaliches Bishop Antonio Tobias back in June 2019. /ra
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