John Sowinski honored with Benemerenti Medal for service to the Catholic Church

John Sowinski, the founding partner of Orlando-based Consensus Communications, was recently honored with the prestigious Benemerenti Medal for his service to the Catholic Church.

“At the request of Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami and the bishops of Florida, the Holy Father has conferred this honor upon Sowinski in gratitude for his generous and faithful service to the Church, particularly for his steadfast support of the work of our state Catholic conference in promoting human life and dignity and advancing the common good,” read a press release from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB).

“It recognizes dedication, generosity, and long-standing commitment to faith and good works.”

The honor for Sowinski took place at the conclusion of the 51st Annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit, which is celebrated every year during the Legislative Session as people come to Tallahassee for Catholic Days at the Capitol.

Sowinski was recognized for his work helping defeat Amendment 4, the abortion rights constitutional amendment on the 2024 ballot. The ballot question earned 57% of the vote, failing to clear the 60% threshold required to pass. 

In addition to Amendment 4, Sowinski has also worked with the Catholic Church on other projects over the years, the Bishops said.

Consensus Communications describes itself as being skilled in handling crisis communications, issues management, politics, ballot initiatives and lobbying, according to its website.

“Widely regarded as Florida’s leading expert on statewide referendum campaigns, John has built an unmatched record of success in statewide constitutional amendment battles,” Sowinski’s profile says on his company’s website.

“He has led more than twenty victorious ballot initiative campaigns — more than any other consultant in the state — spanning four decades and encompassing virtually every major statewide initiative since the early 1990s.”

The Benemerenti Medal is a “papal honor bestowed upon members of the clergy and laity in recognition of distinguished and exceptional service to the Catholic Church,” the FCCB said. 

Sowinski, who lives near Fort Pierce, is a lifelong Catholic. He and his wife, Patty, have three sons and two grandchildren. He is a University of Central Florida graduate. 

“We are pleased that members of his family are with us today, and we extend our sincere thanks to them as well, recognizing the shared sacrifice that such service entails,” FCCB Executive Director Michael Sheedy said during the award presentation, according to the press release.