May 27, 2010
Two Catholic University of America students received the first ever "People of Life"Student Leader Award at the Office of Campus Ministry Appreciation Dinner last month.
Lauren Roselli, a senior, and Thomas Nellson, a junior, were recognized for their continuous pro-life commitment and witness to fellow students and to the D.C. community.
The People of Life Award recognizes those who have answered the call outlined by Pope John Paul II in The Gospel of Life by dedicating themselves to pro-life activities and to promoting respect for the dignity of the human person.
Roselli served as president of the campus group Students for Life for the past 3 years, and organized 458 students, the most ever, who attended the annual March for Life. She also trained and coordinated over 200 student volunteers who organize hospitality for the thousands of pilgrims who attended the National Prayer Vigil for Life in January.
Nellson coordinated a team of student volunteers who handle safety and activities for over 1200 youth hosted overnight in CUA's athletic center during the National Prayer Vigil. In addition, his team organized events to help the high school students grow in faith and their understanding of life issues.
Mary McClusky, Special Project Coordinator of the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, presented the Student Leader Awards and thanked Roselli, Nellson, and the over 200 students who assisted with the 2010 National Prayer Vigil for Life. "Without your help, this event would not be possible," she said.
The National Prayer Vigil for Life is co-sponsored each January by the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, CUA's Office of Campus Ministry, and the Basilica of the National Shrine. It includes opening and closing Masses broadcast live on EWTN, the National Rosary for Life, confessions, night prayer, all-night adoration and holy hours in reparation for the harms of abortion, and morning prayer.
The "People of Life" award is presented to individuals who have consistently answered this call of the Gospel of Life. Recipients are recognized because, through their personal or professional contributions, they have demonstrated their lifetime commitment to the pro-life movement, to promoting respect for the dignity of the human person, and to advocacy for an end to the culture of death in this nation.
The "People of Life" Award is bestowed on occasion to a practicing Catholic in honor of his or her significant contribution in service to the culture of life. In particular, recipients of this award work humbly, without fanfare, seeking no recognition, which makes them even more deserving of this honor.
Paul John Paul II said, "We are a people of life because God, in his unconditional love, has given us the Gospel of Life . . . and we are called to act accordingly."
Courtesy of LifeNews.com