PHILADELPHIA, JUNE 4, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The Missionaries of Charity of the Philadelphia archdiocese were honored with a special award in recognition of their service to the Church.
Each year, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul honors a group or a member of the community with the Keys and Sword Award to honor their extraordinary commitment and selfless dedication to the service of others. Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia, presided over the Mass in which this award was bestowed upon the religious community. The Missionaries of Charity Sisters have missions in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in Norristown and Chester.
The Missionaries of Charity, which has several missions in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, is a religious order that was founded by Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, India, in 1950. It consists of more than 5,000 members and is active in 147 countries. The primary mission of the community is the care for those most in need, such as the homeless, orphaned children, the dying, the mentally ill, lepers, AIDS victims, the aged, and convalescents.
The Keys and Sword Award acknowledges individuals and groups whose actions reflect the Gospel values of faith, valor, selfless service, personal sacrifice and respect. Honorees are nominated and selected by a process of consultation involving clergy, cathedral parishioners, and members of the Archdiocesan community.
