Since 2008, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has been honoring those who have worked tirelessly for life.
The St. John Paul II Champions for Life Awards Luncheon recognizes those who organize, speak for life and pray for change.
Winners of the 2014 St. John Paul II Champions for Life Awards are:
Youth/young adult
Madison Schulte, St. Jude of the Lake in Mahtomedi
As a student at Mahtomedi High School, Schulte headed up the “Students for Life Club,” persevering despite obstacles. Her leadership skills and passion for the pro-life cause are evident. Schulte’s advisor at Mahtomedi High School said, “The verse that best describes Maddie’s leadership in our club comes from Timothy 4:12, ‘Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.’”
Pro-life couple, family or catholic-affiliated group
Dr. Peter and Lulu Daly, Lumen Christi in St. Paul
Dr. Peter and Lulu Daly have devoted their lives to living out the Gospel of life. Not only do they radiate Christ’s love in their respective work as an orthopedic surgeon and hospice nurse, but they also have sought ways to serve others through their medical relief works in Honduras and Haiti. They have raised countless dollars and helped countless lives with their personal commitment to those they serve. The Dalys believe in living out their Gospel calling, not just talking about it.
Pro-life professional
Mary Ball, St. Agnes in St. Paul
Mary Ball is the executive director and founder of Holy Family Adoption Agency. Through her work and the work of the agency, she fills a need in matching Catholic adoptive couples to expectant mothers considering abortion. By coordinating would-be adoptive parents to pray outside of abortion centers and to hold signs saying they would be willing to take care of their child, many babies have been saved from abortion and placed into caring families.
Pro-life volunteer
Kathleen Esh, St. Gabriel the Archangel in Hopkins
Esh is a dedicated pro-life volunteer at her parish and beyond. Her leadership abilities are evident in her initiatives as the promotion manager for the pro-life movie, “This is My Body,” and producing a series of videos of priests doing pro-life homilies. She has been essential in coordinating the merger of the parish pro-life groups to form St. Gabriel’s Community Caring for Life group and is active in all aspects of pro-life and parish ministry.
Tickets available
Bishop Andrew Cozzens will honor the winners at the luncheon, which is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 16 at St. Peter in Mendota. Tickets are $35 each or $280 per table. Register online or call (651) 291-4506.
