Rector’s Dinner Word of Thanks

Rector’s Dinner 2013

The Rector, along with the students, faculty and staff of the Pontifical North American College, thank our many friends and benefactors who contributed to making the 2013 Rector’s Dinner a most blessed and memorable event! The Rector’s Dinner is always a great night. Since the first Rector’s Dinner in 1991, this event has continued to grow thanks to the tremendous support of many benefactors and friends of the College. The evening is also a great opportunity for the seminarians and faculty of the College to open our doors in hospitality and sincere gratitude for all that is done to support the mission of the College.

On April 11th, the College celebrated the 21st Annual Rector’s Dinner to honor His Eminence, Marc Cardinal Ouellet and Mr. Ken and Mrs. Karen Kenworthy with the 2013 Rector’s Award.

In addition to the many Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and Curial Officials in attendance, the College was honored to have the distinguished presence of several Ambassadors and international diplomatic representatives from around the world, members of the Papal Foundation and numerous friends, benefactors and alumni of the College.

During the evening, guests enjoyed traditional Italian fare and lively entertainment provided by the seminarians, which included the best music of Bourbon Street, Basin Street, Broadway, and Napoli. The music was performed by a group of talented singers, accompanied by the talents of some seminarians that included trumpet and clarinet solos and tap-dancing.

The Pontifical North American College joyfully presented the 2013 Rector’s Award to His Eminence, Marc Cardinal Ouellet. As a priest for forty-five years, as a bishop for twelve years and as a cardinal for ten years, Cardinal Ouellet has faithfully proclaimed the Gospel to many people in many places. The award is given in gratitude for his leadership in the Church, especially in his work in seminary formation and in his service to the Universal Church as Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. His Eminence said he was happy and humbled to be honored along with Mr. and Mrs. Kenworthy. He spoke about the importance of priestly formation for the New Evangelization. Cardinal Ouellet also offered prayer and thanksgiving on the recent election of Pope Francis, reflecting upon Pope Francis’ exhortation to generously say “yes” to all Christ asks of us.

It was with great joy that the Pontifical North American College presented Mr. Ken and Mrs. Karen Kenworthy with the 2013 Rector’s Award. The Ken and Karen Kenworthy have been exemplary witnesses to the message of Jesus Christ and have proclaimed His message of truth in their lives and service to the Church. In addition to their vocations as parents, their service include active support of Catholic education and The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, principled business leadership, robust Pro-Life involvement, support for the Archdiocese for Military Services, support for the poor and homeless, membership in The Papal Foundation and the Pontifical North American College, and devotion to the Blessed Mother.  Mr. and Mrs. Kenworthy expressed thanks for how blessed their family has been and recalling that “God is never outdone in generosity.” They outlined their love for the poor, their desire to encourage solid Catholic education, and efforts in the Pro-Life movement. In receiving the Rector’s Award, the Kenworthy’s felt “humbled and honored to be included in this great family.”

We thank you again for joining us and look forward to seeing you in 2014 at the twenty-second annual Rector’s Dinner!  The sponsors for this year’s Rector’s Dinner.

Please click here to view more photos from the 2013 Rector’s Dinner.