By Michelle Crean

For 50 years Killarney woman Rena Kennelly has been creating the life-size Christmas Crib in St Mary's Cathedral for all to enjoy - and she's now been rewarded for her efforts.

FAMILY: Rena Kennelly pictured with her family and friends who helped her with her Christmas creation over the years. Front row: Ben Clifford Shirley Clifford Kate Kennelly O'Driscoll Roan Clifford Justine O'Driscoll. Second row: Jacquie O'Sullivan Sr Rose O'Donoghue Jason Clifford Paula Kennelly Ailbhe O'Driscoll Catherine O'Driscoll. Third row: Enda O'Meara Tadghie Fleming Margaret Moriarty John Joe Clifford Mark Kennelly Fr Kieran O'Brien (ADM) Noreen Coffey and Dan O'Driscoll. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

POPE'S MEDAL: Receiving the Benemerenti Medal from Fr Kieran O'Brien ADM of St Mary's Cathedral Killarney was Rena Kennelly at a special Mass on Monday night. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Rena received the highly coveted Benemerenti Medal -  the highest honour given by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church - at a special Mass on Monday night.

It was given to her by Fr Kieran O'Brien, ADM of St Mary's Cathedral, sanctioned by Pope Francis and the Vatican in recognition for her years of service to the Cathedral.

The annual crib is visited by parishes and visitors from all over the country every Christmas season.

On the night Rena was joined by her family and friends who helped her with her creation over the years,
They included her two great-grandchildren, Roan and Ben Clifford, Shirley Clifford, Kate Kennelly O'Driscoll, Justine O'Driscoll, Jacquie O'Sullivan, Sr Rose O'Donoghue, Jason Clifford, Paula Kennelly, Ailbhne O'Driscoll, Catherine O'Driscoll, Enda O'Meara, Tadghie Fleming, Margaret Moriarty, John Joe Clifford, Mark Kennelly, Noreen Coffey and Dan O'Driscoll.