2023 Award Recipients

2023 ST. CLARE AWARD RECIPIENT: THE DIOCESE OF GREEN BAY

The Diocese of Green Bay has supported Franciscan Works and Liberia Mission for many years by welcoming Franciscan Works to speak at parishes in their diocese. They are committed to raising global awareness and encouraging Catholics in their baptismal call to missionary activity, the work of evangelization, and charitable works throughout the world. St. Clare once said, “Let the love you have in your hearts be shown outwardly in your deeds.” Like St. Clare, the Diocese of Green Bay is a community that courageously lives out the spirit of Mission.

2023 ST. ANTHONY AWARD RECIPIENT: OUR LONG-TIME DONORS AND SPONSORS

The St. Anthony Award is given in recognition of you, our long-time donors and sponsors. We are so thankful for your consistent support of our Mission and our students over these 20 years. Thanks to your generosity, our Mission has continued to thrive and grow. We extend our deepest gratitude to each and every donor and sponsor for saying “yes” to partnering with Franciscan Works and Liberia Mission! St. Anthony of Padua said: “Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak.” You, our long-time donors and sponsors, truly personify these words.

2023 ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE AWARD RECIPIENT: MA MARY

We are pleased to present the St. Maximilian Kolbe award to Ma Mary in Liberia! Ma Mary lives near Liberia Mission and has a heart for our students. She donates monthly to Liberia Mission, and we are so grateful for her generosity. St. Maximilian Koble said, “Do not forget that holiness consists not in extraordinary actions, but in performing your duties towards God, yourself, and others well.” Ma Mary exemplifies St. Maximilian Kolbe through her kindness and charity.

2023 ST. THERESE AWARD RECIPIENT: BERNARDINE AND DR. BRIAN CHAN

Bernardine is a former Mission Director of Liberia Mission from 2010-2011, and Dr. Brian Chan served as the Mission’s Medical Officer. They continue to support the children of Liberia through sponsorship and by speaking at parishes on behalf of the Mission. We are deeply thankful for their dedicated support of Franciscan Works and the children of Liberia. Like St. Therese, they inspire others with her generous and loving hearts.

2023 ST. FRANCIS AWARD RECIPIENT: JOE SEHNERT

Joe served as Franciscan Works’ Board President for 6 years. Prior to this, Joe dedicated 5 years of his life to serving as the Director of Liberia Mission from 2011-2016. It was during Joe’s tenure that Liberia Mission created its piggery micro-business, raised its overall reading score, and advanced in spiritual development. And, it was under Joe's faithful perseverance that the Mission survived the Ebola crisis of 2014, and the children continued to have a place to call home. We thank Joe for his many years of guidance and service to everyone at Liberia Mission and Franciscan Works. He truly embodies the teachings of St. Francis!