2022 Award Recipients

2022 ST. CLARE AWARD RECIPIENT: ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST PARISH

St. John the Evangelist in Prairieville, LA is a parish community that truly lives out the spirit of mission. Eddie Martin and the late Jenny Martin first began fundraisers in their parish to support Franciscan Works + Liberia Mission. We are grateful to Fr. Jerry Martin for honoring Jenny and Eddie through the parish’s tremendous generosity toward Franciscan Works and Liberia Mission this year. This generosity is testimony to the spirit of Jenny, the faith of Eddie, and the missionary heart of their parish. St. John the Evangelist Parish embodies St. Clare’s words: “We are to become vessels of God’s compassionate love for others.”

2022 ST. FRANCIS AWARD RECIPIENT: JOANNIE FABIANO

We were honored to recognize Joannie Fabiano with the St. Francis Award. Joannie was the former Executive Director of Franciscan Works and Liberia Mission from 2003-2010, traveling frequently to Liberia. Joannie’s commitment to service and faith has left a lasting legacy on Franciscan Works and Liberia Mission as she embodied the teachings of St. Francis. Joannie passed away on the Feast of St. Francis on October 4th, 2022.

2022 ST. THERESE AWARD RECIPIENT: BETSY MANNO

Betsy Manno faithfully served on the Board of Directors at Franciscan Works and Liberia Mission. She visited the children in Liberia and promoted our mission by sharing mission appeals across the country. We are deeply grateful for Betsy’s dedicated support of Franciscan Works and the children of Liberia. Like St. Therese, she inspires others with her generous and loving spirit.

2022 ST. ANTHONY AWARD RECIPIENT: ARCHBISHOP LEWIS JEROME ZEIGLER (IN MEMORIAM)

Archbishop Lewis Jerome Zeigler was a devoted friend of Franciscan Works and Liberia Mission, giving his time through service to those in need. St. Anthony of Pauda once said: “Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak.” Archbishop Lewis Jerome Zeigler truly personified those words as he used his words and actions to shepherd the children of Liberia. 

2022 ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE AWARD RECIPIENT: AUGUSTINE NUFEA

Our St. Maximilian Kolbe award was given to Augustine Nufea, who is called Nufea by staff and students. Through Nufea’s on-the-ground work in Liberia, he invests his time and radiates his faith through service to the children and community at Liberia Mission. Nufea exemplifies St. Maximilian Kolbe through his gift of self and deep loyalty.