September 16, 2009

Archbishop Chaput to be recipient of Envoy Award

By John Gleason

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., will be honored at a tribute dinner Oct. 8 sponsored by the Envoy Institute of Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina.  There the archbishop will receive the 2009 Envoy of the Year Award in honor of his faithful and courageous leadership of the Archdiocese of Denver and as author of the international best-selling book, “Render Unto Caesar.”

Patrick Madrid, director of the Envoy Institute, told the Denver Catholic Register that when it came to selecting an honoree this year, the selection committee didn’t have far to look.

“The archbishop typifies what we admire in a leader,” Madrid said. “It was clear from the beginning that we wanted him to be the 2009 recipient.”

Madrid said the archbishop exemplifies the laudable qualities of a bishop and is not afraid to speak out about the Catholic position on hot button issues that affect our daily lives.

“He does it in such a practical way, so measured and prudent.  He brings so much wisdom and spiritual maturity to the discussion,” Madrid said.  “I believe that’s why statements in his book and his commentaries have such an affect on people.”

Guest speakers at the dinner will include Denver Catholic Register columnist and author George Weigel; publisher and editor of First Things Magazine, Joseph Bottum; Eternal Word Television Network personality Father John Corapi, S.O.L.T.; and Carl Anderson, supreme knight of the Knights of Columbus.
Ken Davison, vice president of college relations at Belmont Abbey College, told the Register that the gala is expecting a large crowd.

“We could have as many as 800 people attending this event,” he said. “So many people are impressed with Archbishop Chaput and with his book.  We’re expecting quite a turnout.”

The Envoy Institute of Belmont Abbey College provides a community of support for newly independent young adults to help them develop a better discernment of how God wants them to develop and apply their personal talents to serve him in today’s society. A key aspect of the community is presenting real heroes for young adults to relate to, people who can give them confidence, comfort, and hope.

Past honorees of the Envoy Award include Marcus Grodi, president and founder of The Coming Home Network International, and Curtis Martin, president and founder of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS)

More information about the dinner can be found online at envoyinstitute.net. Tickets are $175 per person or $300 per couple. For reservations, call 704-461-6009 or e-mail joanbradley@bac.edu.