June 9, 2005
Source: Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/features/religion/la-me-rabbi9jun09,1,6715953.story?coll=la-news-religion
On June 9, 2005 the Los Angeles Times reported, "an Orange County rabbi on Friday will receive the highest award bestowed by the Roman Catholic Church on a nonmember, in recognition of his work in bringing together Catholics and Jews. Rabbi Shelton Donnell of Temple Beth Sholom is believed to be the first rabbi to receive the Benemerenti Medal, established in 1832 by Pope Gregory XVI to recognize civil courage... Benemerenti is Latin for 'good merit.' Donnell was identified for the honor by the late Pope John Paul II in one of the last decisions of his papacy."