For sixty-four years, the Franciscan International Award Dinner has been an opportunity for retreatants and friends of the Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center in Prior Lake, Minnesota, USA, to gather together and support the ministry of the retreat center as well as to honor a particular person or organization that embodies the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. Previous honorees include the late Dr. Billy GRAHAM, Sister Helen PREJEAN, Fran HEITZMAN, and many others.
The 2024 Franciscan International Award took place on May 9, 2024. The award was given to Pastors and Pastoral Teams: men and women who are essential in the life of faith communities.
On behalf of all pastors and pastoral teams, this year’s award was accepted by:
Father Tom WALKER (St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Prior Lake);
Father Bill MURTAUGH (Pax Christi Catholic Community, Eden Prairie, Minnesota);
Father John BAUER (Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Minnetonka, Minnesota)
Father Terry RASMUSSEN (retired, St. Joseph Catholic Community, New Hope/Plymouth, Minnesota);
Our very own Friar Phil LEY, OFM Conv., former Pastor of the Jesús de las Misericordias Church in El Salvador, San Salvador.
The award dinner was held at a new venue: the Pax Christi Catholic Community in Eden Prairie. The event began with a joyful social hour followed by a wonderful dinner and moving presentations. The evening concluded with the friars singing the “Ultima,” a traditional hymn sung by the friars of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation. In addition, the friars imparted their blessing on all present, leaving them feeling uplifted and inspired.
Friar Mario L. SERRANO
