2008 Prince Demetrius Gallitzin Cross Award Winners

(HOLLIDAYSBURG, PA) – The Most Reverend Joseph V. Adamec, Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown, today announced this year’s recipients for the Prince Gallitzin Cross Awards.

There are three priests and nine members of the faithful (parishioners) in the 2008 class of honorees. Each award winner will receive his or her Gallitzin Cross at the 19th annual awards ceremony on Saturday, June 7 at the Cosgrave Center at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson. The event will begin with a reception at 5 p.m.

The 2008 Prince Gallitzin Cross Award recipients are:

Mrs. Eileen Bohensky, Saints Casimir and Emerich Parish, Johnstown
Very Reverend Neil R. Dadey, Pastor, Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Bellefonte and Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Penns Valley
Mrs. Cynthia R. Dirsmith, Good Shepherd Parish, State College
Mrs. Clare C. Furnary, Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, Johnstown
Mrs. Mary R. Gebhardt, Saint Catherine of Siena Parish, Duncansville
Miss Mary Marlett, Saint Aloysius Parish, Cresson
Mr. William F. McKinney, Sr., Saint Columba Parish, Johnstown
Mrs. Cynthia McMullen, Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Loretto
Mrs. Mary Pettenati, Saint Joseph Parish, Coupon
Mr. George L. Shevenock, Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, Altoona
Rev. Msgr. Timothy J. Swope, Pastor, Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Loretto
Very Reverend Paul E. Turnbull, Pastor, Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, Johnstown

Recipients were formally nominated by pastors, campus ministers, and the bishop after receiving recommendations from individuals and parish councils. The awards are bestowed to those who “exemplify the discipleship and evangelizing characteristics of the Servant of God Demetrius Gallitzin”. Including this year’s class, 260 people will have received the honor over the 19 years it has been conferred.

“I look forward to this annual event of recognizing those who carry on the spirit of the Servant of God, Demetrius Gallitzin within our Diocesan Church,” said Bishop Joseph, who inaugurated the awards in 1990. “It is a way of encouraging each other on our way into the Reign of God.”

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