The Little Sisters of the Poor in Enfield and St. Edmund’s Retreat on Enders Island received the 2021 and 2022 Blessed Michael McGivney Award, respectively.
The 46th annual McGivney Awards banquet was held March 27 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, Connecticut. The 2021 award to the Little Sisters of the Poor was presented after a one-year delay caused by the pandemic. Knights of Columbus State Deputy Matthew McGrath was the master of ceremonies.
The Connecticut State Council of the Knights of Columbus established the award in 1975 to honor the ideals of the order’s founder, Blessed Michael McGivney. The award recognizes those who have made significant humanitarian, civic and social contributions to their state, church or country.
The Little Sisters of the Poor have ministered for more than a century to the poor elderly at the St. Andrew’s Home for the Elderly, established in 1902 in New Haven and moved to Enfield in 1972. They care for the elderly poor in the same spirit of humble service they received from their founder, St. Jeanne Jugan. They welcome the elderly as we would Jesus Christ himself and serve them with love and respect until God calls them home.
The mission of St. Edmund's Retreat is to proclaim in word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the light of the Catholic Faith. St. Edmund’s has three principal ministries: retreats and programs that promote spiritual development for priests, religious and laity; hands-on learning and instruction in sacred art within the Catholic tradition which uphold the beauty and the dignity of the human person; and programs that promote healing and renewal through 12-Step meetings, retreats, workshops and pastoral counseling.
The Connecticut State Council recognizes the spiritual beauty of St Edmund’s Retreat and holds the Annual Living Rosary there each May in honor of Our Blessed Mother. This year the Living Rosary will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15. All are welcome.
Car Show in Portland
On June 3, more than 100 amazing show cars and trucks will meet in the parking lot of St. Mary Church. Early registration is now open to all for a $15 fee. For a registration form, call Mark D’Angelo at 342-0944 or email at dangelo283@comcast.net. The show opens at 3p.m., with trophies awarded at 7:30.
The show is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Freestone Council to raise funds for local charitable programs of the Knights and is dedicated to the memory of Grand Knight Craig Weske, who was a beloved Knight, member of the choir and longtime Special Olympics volunteer. Craig passed away after a 15-year battle with cancer.