Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, and Most Rev. Paul S. Loverde, bishop of Arlington, made the presentation Oct. 3

Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington and Bishop Paul Loverde of Arlington present the Benemerenti medal to Daniel Curtin during Oct. 3 ceremonies in Washington.

Cable Risdon photo

Arlington, Va. -- Daniel F .Curtin, whose entire professional life has been devoted to Catholic education, received the Benemerenti Medal conferred by Pope Benedict XVI in recognition of outstanding and meritorious service to the Holy See.

Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, and Most Rev. Paul S. Loverde, bishop of Arlington, made the presentation Oct. 3 during the annual Seton Awards sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.

For the past 12 years, Curtin served as executive director of NCEA’s department of Chief Administrators of Catholic Education. Prior to that he was secretary to the cardinal for Catholic education for the Archdiocese of Washington from 1985 to 1999. Between 1964 and 1985 he was, successively a teacher, prefect of discipline, vice principal and principal of Mackin Catholic High School in Washington, D.C.

He has been active in many professional educational and church organizations and has served since 2007 as chairman of the Bishop McNamara High School board of directors.

Curtin is a graduate of the former St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Falls Church, Va., and Mackin High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Mt. St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, Md. He was national president of the Mt. St. Mary’s alumni association from 1989 to 1993 and served on the university board of trustees from 1989 to 2001. He was chairman of the board from 1999 to 2001 and in 20002 received an honorary doctor of humane letters from his alma mater.

Curtin also holds a master of education degree from George Mason University and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame.

In 1984 he received the Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice award from Pope John Paul II for service to the church.

Curtin resides in Falls Church, Va., and is a member of Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, where he has served on the pastoral council.

The Benemerenti Medal honor was created by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832 to recognize outstanding service to the church.

Daniel Curtin Receives Papal Honor for Long-Time Service to the Church