Archdiocese of Miami honors Women of Faith

By Juan Alessandro Di Prado - Archdiocese of Miami

Miami… (October 6, 2014) For the first time in its history, the Archdiocese of Miami will honor ten outstanding women from across the archdiocese for their work, dedication and commitment to the Catholic Church with the first ever “Women of Faith” awards.

In light of this celebration, a luncheon to honor the awardees is scheduled for Oct. 26 at 12 noon at the Turnberry Isle Hotel, 19999 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, FL.

A list of women who exemplifies one of ten virtues was presented to Archbishop Thomas Wenski who then chose from the list. The ten women being honored are: Barbara Romani, Marie Ludwick, Carol Ann Coyle, Sally Russomanno, Swanee DiMare, Christina Wells, Wini Amaturo, Ada Armas, Marile Lopez, and Jacqueline De Souza.

Following is the virtue that each of them represent and a quote by an individual who knows the awardee.

•    Barbara Romani of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish – Virtue: Faith – Saint: St. Faith.
           
           “Barbara Romani is one of a kind. All that she does, she does it from the heart. She is a    
             true example of what a true disciple of Christ is called to be. She is an inspiration to    
             others for her sense of commitment to the parish.”  

--Fr. Israel Mago Pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church

•    Marie Ludwick of St. Paul the Apostle Parish – Virtue: Grace – Saint: Our Lady of Grace.

        "Marie Ludwick has always been a noteworthy balance of faith, good works, and high  
             achievement."
--Paul Ludwick

•    Carol Ann Coyle of St. Gregory Parish – Virtue: Humility – Saint: St. Anthony.

        "I pray that all of our parishioners were like Carol.  The Church would really move  
            mountains very quickly doing the work of the Lord day-by-day, person by person."

--Father Michael Hoyer, Pastor of St. Gregory Church

•    Sally Russomanno of St. Louis Parish – Virtue: Love – Saint: St. Valentine.

          “Sally Russomanno is someone who radiates God’s love.  You can see it in her smile, feel
            it in her hug and embrace it through her example.”

                                                                    --Mrs. Mary Blanco, Dean of Primary Education

•    Swanee DiMare of St. Hugh Parish – Virtue: Radiance – Saint: St. Lucy.

          “Swanee DiMare is a pinnacle of faith put into action. She is a model of service to our  
            school and one who serves selflessly. Her vivacious personality is always warmly
            welcomed.”

--Douglas Romanik, Archbishop Curley Notre Dame Prep, Principal


•    Christina Wells of Archbishop McCarthy High School – Virtue: Youth – Saint: St. Maria Goretti.

            "Christina is an excellent example of our mission here at Archbishop McCarthy High
              School.  Through her leadership and service, both in school and the community, she is  
              truly putting her faith into practice."

                   --Richard P. Jean, Principal Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School


•    Wini Amaturo of St. John the Baptist Parish – Virtue: Wisdom – Saint: St. Sofia.

“Winifred Amaturo God has gifted Wini Amaturo with exceptional characteristics, one of  
 which is the capacity to assess the needs of others and respond compassionately.
 Through the years Wini has given unhesitating witness to her faith through her parish  
 and the Catholic education system. Thousands of children and their families are most
 appreciative.”
             --Msgr. Vincent T. Kelly, Pastor of St. John the Baptist Church

•    Ada Armas of Epiphany Parish – Virtue: Compassion – Saint: St. Francis of Assisi.

“Hearing that another person is doing a generous gesture is nice, but watching Ada’s compassion in action, is a different thing all together.”

                                                                                           ---Mirta Fuentes

•    Marile Lopez of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish – Virtue: Charity – Saint: St. Vincent de Paul.

“The impressive thing about Marile is that you never have to ask her for help. No matter what project we have, she has always been first in line to help. I can’t think of another person that gives so lovingly and freely like Marile.” (Mrs. Marile Lopez)

                                                            --Federico Padovan, Immaculata-La Salle High School

•    Jacqueline De Souza of St. John Newman Parish – Virtue: Motherhood – Saint: Virgin Mary.

“Jacqueline De Souza exemplifies the virtues of a woman of faith; living out the faith she was taught, serving others through her faith so that everyone she encounters knows the love and mercy of God in her joy.”

                                                            --Msgr. Pablo Navarro V.F., St. John Neumann Church


Luncheon Pricing:

Individual tickets are sold at $150 and table sponsoring is also available. All proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Catholic Education by providing tuition assistance to needy students.