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Diocese recognizes friends of church
archived from: 2013-02-01
by: John Franko

Manifesting the Kingdom Awards signify exemplary service

The Church of Pittsburgh recognized the exemplary witness of clergy, consecrated religious and faithful lay people by presenting them with the Manifesting the Kingdom Award. The presentations were made during a Mass Jan. 27 at St. Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood.

The ceremony featured the presentation of The Church ALIVE! Award to Jack and Rhodora Donahue, and the Benemerenti Medal to Rabbi Alvin Berkun.

"It's a day that we rejoice that the Church of Pittsburgh is a Church Alive," said Bishop David Zubik, who made the presentations.

Established by Bishop Zubik in 2010, the Church ALIVE! Award is the highest recognition bestowed by the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Recipients are recognized for significantly enhancing the vitality of the diocese. Cardinal Donald Wuerl was the inaugural recipient.

Bishop Zubik presented the Donahues with the award recently at their Florida home. Formally receiving the award at the cathedral ceremony was their son, Christopher, and daughter-in-law, Ann.

"They have truly created a legacy that has made the Church Alive," said Helene Paharik, diocesan associate general secretary, who introduced the award.

Christopher accepted the award on behalf of his 12 siblings. He spoke of the influence of his parents on all of them, noting that on the occasion of their 50th anniversary his father reminded them of the importance of prayer, daily reception of the Eucharist and of loving one another.

The Benemerenti Medal was instituted by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832 to honor friends of the church. It is not restricted to Catholics and is given as a recognition to those who have served the church in their lives.

The medal was granted by Pope Benedict XVI at the request of Bishop Zubik.

"You are truly a friend of the Church of Pittsburgh," the bishop said in recognizing Rabbi Berkun, who is rabbi emeritus of Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood.

The rabbi spoke of the mistrust once held for the Jewish people and how Pope John XXIII opened the window of reconciliation between the faiths, and he noted the significance of Pope John Paul II's visit to a synagogue. "I take off my yarmulke to the Catholic Church," he said.

He also spoke of the "extraordinary job" the Church of Pittsburgh has done to fight prejudice against the Jewish people. In closing, he borrowed a line from the old Virginia Slims cigarette commercial.

"We have truly come a long way, baby," he said.

The Manifesting the Kingdom Award recognizes local Catholics for exceptional service to the church.

The recipients included members of the 204 parishes of the diocese, 17 from religious communities and eight for diocesan-wide service.

Pastors nominate candidates, as do major superiors of religious communities. The others were nominated by diocesan staff.

In describing his love for the cathedral, Bishop Zubik said his favorite place is the floor of the sanctuary, where he laid prostrate for his ordinations as a priest, bishop and ordinary.

It is a profound moment, he noted, because it signifies an invitation to let others walk over one's back.

The bishop said the pastors and religious leaders nominated the recipients "because they gave their backs to help other people come closer to the kingdom of God."

Their profound service helps the faith of the rest of the faithful become real, he added, and they manifest the kingdom in a church that seeks to be even more alive.

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