Hundreds of Scouts, Scout leaders, and family members joined principal celebrant, Archdiocese of New York Auxiliary Bishop Peter Byrne, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, May 18, for the annual Catholic Scouting Emblem Mass.

Under Scouting America, religious emblems may be earned through related religious organizations such as Catholic Scouting and organized through each archdiocese or diocese. They are not considered or earned in the same way that merit badges are. Both male and female Scouts are eligible for emblems, although some awards are gender-specific. “To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, religious groups have developed the following religious emblems programs. Scouting America has approved of these programs and allows the emblems to be worn on the official uniform,” according to the Scouting America website.

In his homily, Bishop Byrne recounted how in 2022, an Eagle Scout, Ian Morgado, oversaw the creation and installation of a monument to Chaplain (Capt.) Emil Kapaun, a Catholic Army chaplain who died in a prisoner-of-war camp during the Korean War and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Father Kapaun was known for serving on the frontlines alongside other soldiers, rescuing the wounded, and administering sacraments to the dying and the dead on the battlefield.

“Father Kapaun’s story reflects the gospel message we read today: ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’ Sometimes love is sentimental, but Jesus describes it as loving to the point of death. Offering one’s life for another is the ultimate sacrifice,” Bishop Byrne said.

“It’s a blessing that this young Eagle Scout chose to memorialize the connection between scouting and faith. Especially today, people will be inspired in their own way to strengthen their commitment to Jesus through Scouting,” he said.

Father Michael Mendl, a member of the Archdiocese of New York Committee on Scouting, concelebrated. Throughout the Mass, male and female Scouts presented the colors, served on the altar, as lectors, and presented the offertory gifts.

At the end of Mass, Bishop Byrne presented awards to recipients of six emblem categories for Scouts and one emblem category for adults. Each was introduced by Christian J. Kristiansen, Scout committee chairman for the archdiocese.

Richard Ricco, who attended with Troop 41 from Staten Island’s Church of St. Clare, said that the Catholic faith is part of a Scout’s “reverence.” “The 12th point of the Scout Law is that the Scout is reverent,” he said, indicating that he attended the day’s Mass to show his support of the award winners, as he had worked with emblem recipients in the past. “We are part of one of the largest parishes in New York City,” Ricco pointed out, explaining that his troop is organized through the parish.