Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Cleveland took a moment on Saturday evening to recognize all of these persons who have made its operation successful, and as the Vatican declared a few years ago---the largest Catholic Charities system in the World.
Dating to November of 1911, Catholic Charities concluded its year of recognition with a and awards dinner at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel where its first" Hall of Hope Awards" were established and the Most Reverend Anthony M. Pilla, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Cleveland, was named as the "Man of the Century."
The first members of the Hall of Hope are:
Bishop John Farrelly
Through his vision and leadership Catholic Charities was born in the the Diocese of Cleveland
Bishop Charles LeBlond
As a young priest, he became the first Director of Charity in the Diocese of Cleveland and established the foundation for the organization's future.
Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine
The Order has been a cornerstone and driving inspiration of Catholic Charities. First coming from France in 1851 to establish a hospital to serve everyone in Cleveland, those efforts lead to St. Vincent Charity Hospital as we know it today.
Father Walt Jenne
As Secretary of Social Concerns in the Diocese of Cleveland (1980), he ushered Catholic Charities into the modern era while remaining a faithful steward to the rich history established by those before him.
J. Thomas Mullen
As the first layperson appointed to the Bishop's staff, Tom was faithful to the healing ministry of Jesus, a friend of those who were vulnerable, and an inspirational leader for Catholic Charities.
MAN OF THE CENTURY
Most Reverend Anthony M. Pilla, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Cleveland
The award was in recognition of this loving compassion to those in need, his commitment to the virtues of faith, hope and love, his ongoing pursuit of justice, and his unwavering support of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Cleveland.
More than 500 persons attended the dinner and heard keynote speaker, the Honorable Senator George Voinovich (retired) talk about the great service Catholic Charities has brought to all of Ohio. Cleveland Bishop Richard Lennon traced the long history of Catholic Charities through the efforts of the many Bishops during the past 100 years.
Catholic Charities Executive Director Pat Gareau thanked all who have made Catholic Charities successful over the past century: The Faithful, the Bishops and priests, the religious orders, strong lay leadership and volunteers, and a loyal and compassionate staff.
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