Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Fides Service) - The Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America, also known as Maryknoll Missionaries, has selected the Conference of Mexican Bishops as recipient of the Keller Award, marking the centenary of the birth of Maryknoll Bishop Alonso Escalante. In doing so Maryknoll recognises the support that the Conference has given to the idea of establishing a foreign missionary seminary, a Society for mission ad gentes, and for the material and spiritual support that it gives to the Misioneros de Guadalupe created after World War II with the help of Bishop Escalante. The award was presented by Maryknoll superior general Fr. John Sivalon, to Bishop Florencio Olvera Ochoa, president of the Bishops Commission on Missions, at Maryknoll international headquarters in Ossining, New York. Assistant superior general Father John Barth said this is the first time the award has been given to people outside the United States
It has always been part of the Society’s mission vision to not only help build up and establish the local churches around the world, sys Father Barth, but a part of that activity is to help local church establish their own foreign mission sending societies. Since 2000, the Maryknoll Society has given the award to certain individuals or groups who have distinguished themselves by exemplifying the spirit of Maryknoll Father James G. Keller, the founder of the world-wide “Christophers” movement.
The award is presented to individuals or groups who have served others in need, reflect a spirit of solidarity with the poor, brought about positive changes in the world, modelled compassion and love for others and contributed in a significant way to the mission of the Church. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 21/12/2006; righe 23, parole 322)
