The award is given each year to individuals or groups who embody Bishop Gerald Barnes’ episcopal motto Amar Es Entregarse (a Latin phrase that means, “Love is the total giving of one’s self”).
Bishop del Riego ministered as a priest in the Diocese for six years before he was ordained a bishop in 2005. He accepted the news that he will receive the award with his trademark modesty.
“I am very grateful,” he said. “How can I object?”
In response to the Year of Consecrated Life that is being celebrated by the Universal Church the other two recipients of the Amar Es Entregarse Award are communities of women religious – the Sisters of Mercy and the Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters.
“The many years of ministry and service in the Diocese have been a blessing to us and a wonderful opportunity to live out our Mercy charism,” said Sister Mary Frances Coleman, R.S.M., who is the Director of the Office of Consecrated Life for the diocese. A historical profile of the Sisters of Mercy can be found on page 16.
The Bishop’s Dinner, which will be held this year at the Renaissance Esmerelda Indian Wells Resort, is also an annual fundraiser to help meet the cost of educational and living expenses of diocesan seminarians. Last year, the dinner drew 1,200 guests and raised over $780,000, continuing an upward trend in attendance and fundraising.
“The fact that we are honoring Bishop del Riego, the Mercy Sisters and the Victory Knoll Sisters will make for a unique and special evening,” said Theresa Montminy, Director of Mission Advancement for the diocese and coordinator of the dinner. “The Year of Consecrated Life honors those women and men who have lived out their commitment of service to God and His Church.”