PROVIDENCE — Local youth and adults were honored at this year’s diocesan Catholic Youth Ministry and Scout Awards, held at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul on Sunday, March 5.
Bishop Thomas J. Tobin served as the main celebrant and homilist, and was joined by many brother priests. Bishop Tobin remarked that the annual event was a positive and joyful occasion in the life of the diocesan Church.
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“Congratulations to one and all,” Bishop Tobin told the honorees. “The recognition you are receiving today is well-deserved. You have worked very hard, and we pray that God will bless you today and all the days and years to come.”
In his homily, the bishop told those gathered that once they welcome Jesus into their lives, they will learn from his example and try to incorporate his vision and his values in their own lives.
“The fact is you’ll never meet anyone more important than Jesus. If you’ve truly come to know him and to love him, your life will never be the same again. Your life will be immersed in his. You’ll hunger for his words and hunger for his body and blood in the Eucharist. Once you’ve met Jesus and really come to know him, you’ll learn from his example and incorporate his vision and his values in your own life. And once you’ve met Jesus you’ll be anxious to share his story with others and truly make the world a better place in which to live.”
Following Mass, the bishop offered his prayers and blessings over the awards and congratulated all of the recipients. A variety of awards were distributed including the Mary, The First Disciple Medal, Spirit Alive, Pillars of Faith, Edward A. McLaughlin Jr. Award, Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII Awards, Companions on a Journey and St. Timothy Awards. All of those honored with the faith-filled awards were recognized for their deep faith and exemplary leadership and example to others.
“Someday in the not too distant future, dear young people, as young adults you will become the leaders in our Church and in our broader community. We hope that you’ll always be faithful to the commitment you’ve made as Christians and as Catholics. So many young adults drift away from Jesus and drift away from the church... We hope and pray that you will be different and that you will always be close to Jesus and to the Church.”
