Cheverus Awards
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November 26, 2023
In the bicentennial year of the Archdiocese of Boston (2008), Cardinal Séan O’Malley instituted the Cheverus Award medals. These medals are now conferred upon selected recipients from throughout the Archdiocese annually at the Cathedral on or around the Solemnity of Christ the King.
The oval-shaped, silver medal bears the image of Bishop Jean-Louis Anne Magdelaine Lefebvre de Cheverus. On the reverse side is Bishop Cheverus’ coat of arms and episcopal motto “diligamus nos invicem” (let us love one another).
Bishop Cheverus was the founding Bishop of Boston and led the diocese from 1808 until his return to France in 1824. He died in 1836 as the archbishop of Bordeaux.
The medal recipients -- who include laypeople, religious and deacons -- are chosen for their service to the Church and God’s people. Most recipients are nominated by their pastor, forwarded by their area vicar and approved by their regional bishop and Cardinal O’Malley. Some recipients are personally selected by Cardinal O’Malley.
Each year, one third of the parishes of the archdiocese are asked to nominate a parishioner, therefore most parishes will have one honoree every three years. The criteria given to pastors is that the nominee should be a lay person who has served the parish well over an extended period of time and has done so in a quiet, unassuming and, perhaps, unrecognized fashion.
The Regional Bishops each year are asked to nominate from their respective regions a religious and a deacon of similar qualifications to be honored with the Cheverus medal. The Central Ministries of the Archdiocese also make nominations from among religious, deacons and lay persons who serve on Archdiocesan committees or lead important ministries.
There is no limit to the number of family members and friends who may join the honoree. The presence of the pastor and a delegation of parishioners is warmly encouraged to help underline the appreciation and gratitude of the parish towards the honoree.Bishop Cheverus Medal Awards
Cathedral of the Holy Cross
1400 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 3 p.m.
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RECIPIENT PROTOCOL
Parking:
Parking for the Cathedral is available in the paid parking lots (Download a parking map here).
Arrival:
Please plan to arrive no later than 1:30PM. There will be four hospitality tables in the vestibule of the Church. These tables will be designated according to the first letter of your last name. There will be a nametag for each recipient which will also include a “Group” assignment. The nametags and “Group” assignments will be used in presenting the awards, so please remember to stop by the hospitality tables and to wear your nametag.Ceremony:
Please note that the awards will be given out during a Midafternoon Prayer Service. Kindly note that this is not a Mass. The Midafternoon Prayer Service should last approximately 90 minutes.Seating and Guests:
You are welcome to invite as many guests and family members as you would like. There will be open seating which will allow you to sit with your guests. Award recipients should sit at the end of the pew if possible. If you or your guests have any physical limitations, please tell us when you RSVP and we will make special accommodations.Award Presentation:
The Cheverus Awards will be presented following the homily. Recipients will be asked to line up in the center aisle in single file when their group is called.Photographs:
A professional photographer will be present to take a picture of the Cardinal presenting the award to each individual award recipient. You will have the option to download or purchase your photo at the following link:
https://davegreenphotography.pixieset.com/cheverusawards2023/
We kindly ask all other photographers to remain seated for the awards presentation.Website:
The Archdiocese has established this webpage that includes lists of previous Cheverus Award recipients, media coverage, and general information. (See other Links of Interest)Reception:
Immediately following the ceremony, a reception will be held at the Cathedral High School gymnasium (located across the street from the Cathedral) for you and your guests. Light refreshments will be served. There is limited capacity, so kindly call 617-782-2544 with the number of guests who will be attending.
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OTHER LINKS OF INTEREST
Event Photos
Cheverus Award Recipient ListCONTACTS
Judith Haglof
Executive Assistant to the Cardinal
(617) 782-2544
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