Our Unsung Heroes
Back at the turn of the last century, a man was born in Chile who went on to become a Jesuit priest. He was also an attorney, a social worker, a writer, and a renowned spiritual director, retreat master, and confessor. He was one of the first Saints canonized by Pope Benedict XVI.
His name is Saint Alberto Hurtado. And here is something he said:
“The Church does not live and thrive because of the fulfillment of obligations, but because of the generosity of its faithful.”
I am reminded of Saint Alberto Hurtado’s words every day. One of the great joys of my ministry as Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport is visiting our 87 parishes, where the Faith is lived out from day to day.
It always happens that, following Mass, or the Sacrament of Confirmation, or any number of happy parish events, the Pastor will introduce me to someone who fits the category of “unsung hero.”
Maybe it’s a standout teacher in a parish religious education program, or someone who visits lonely people in nursing homes for unseen hours. It could be a proud member of a Knights of Columbus council, an active participant in a parish Pastoral Council or Finance Council, or a dedicated Lector or Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist during Mass. It could even be a husband and wife team who never say “No” when the need arises in the parish, no matter how big or how small — and they never expect a thank you.
These truly are the “unsung heroes” of our Church, whose goodness and generosity inspire us, and whose love for Christ and for His Church builds all of us up in our Faith. They put the needs of others ahead of their own.
I am so proud every year to honor these men and women with the “Saint Augustine Medal of Service.” They are recommended by their Pastors, who tell me is is a monumental challenge to select one individual or couple from a long list of worthy parishioners. What a nice “problem” to have!
The presentation of medals is held during a prayer service at Saint Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport, in the presence of the recipient’s Pastor. To say this is a happy occasion is an understatement!
A special color supplement featuring photos of all the Medal recipients and testimonials to their service will appear in the next edition of Fairfield County Catholic, in homes on November 7. For a preview, click here.
May God, who is never outdone in generosity, richly bless all of our Medal recipients and their families, now and always.
And if you haven’t had the opportunity to help out in your parish community, now’s the time to start. Pastors are always eager for more volunteers. Just ask!
I’m so happy that the diocese takes the time to honor and recognize dedicated parishioners who give so selflessly of there time. Congrats!
My best friend won the medal! She is so happy! And such a hard worker she NEVER looks for a thank you but SHE REALLY DESERVES ONE!
What a wonderful event! And the food afetrwards was great too. Thank you!
Your Holiness: Congratulations to all the receipients,God bless them all.
Off topic Bishop Lori, I was wondering why we no longer hear the bells when the HOLY EUCHARIST, AND BLOOD OF JESUS IS NOT RUNG?? The altar servers do not seem to have the training, and genuflecting when passing the TABERNACLE. I have been asked this so often, and I know I miss it. I know they do it on EWTN, and many Church’s but not over this side of CT.
Also after Funeral Masses we never hear the Bell rung. nor noon for the ANGELUS??
I feel blessed to have grown up with great respect for the old traditions of our Roman Catholic Church. May God Bless you always.
Dear Bishop Lori, you probably won’t recognize my name out from the millions who have written you, but I just wanted to say “thank you” again for all you did when you chaired the Committee on Doctrine for evaluating Reiki. I had written you back in April of this year (4/9/09) , because I was so happy that the hospital where I work has a Nursing Supervisor, (Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County NJ, can no longer practice Reiki. Praise Jesus. It is now even more astounding, that I discovered that you are speaking and celebrating Mass at the Basilica for the 1st National Conference for Divine Mercy this weekend and I will be there. I was reviewing the names when I noticed your name and remembered you were one of the two Bishops I had written to about the Divine Mercy for Health Professionals and gave you the book . The person who developed it will also be there,(Maria). I don’t know if I will get the chance to meet you, but I know I am blessed to at least be there when you celebrate Mass. God is so good to allow me this opportunity and I am in awe of how He is orchestrating it all . I will be bringing some members of the Divine Mercy Cenacle that I facilitate in my home in Mt Laurel. May God Bless you and all who are involved in this conference. You are in my prayers for His Blessing and protection. We will be praying in the car on the way to Washington and hope to offer up at least one rosary for all of you. Thank you again for all you do.
Dear Bishop: I happen to agree with the previous post by Mary, I agree, I was an altar boy and our Pastor would gives us a test, and I am not that old, however altar rails were removed, and I thought the EXTRAODINARY MASS WOULD CONTINUE, EVEN THOUGH I BE CAME INTRODUCED TO THE ORDINARY MASS, ALL ENGLISH.
Thank you for your service to CT. My prayers go out to all the families from Camp Hood, TX.
Blessings on you and our country, and Troops.