Pacem in Terris Award

Pacem in Terris Award is a prestigious honor presented by the Catholic Diocese of Davenport in Davenport, Iowa, to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to peace and social justice, inspired by the teachings of Pope John XXIII and his Pacem in Terris encyclical. The award is given to those who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting peace, justice, and human rights, as exemplified by the lives of Martin Luther King Jr., Desmond Tutu, and Dorothy Day. The Pacem in Terris Award is considered one of the most esteemed honors in the Catholic Church, with past recipients including Lech Walesa, Angela Davis, and Cesar Chavez. The award has been presented to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, and Malala Yousafzai, who have all worked tirelessly to promote peace and social justice.

● Introduction

The Pacem in Terris Award was established in 1964 by the Catholic Diocese of Davenport to commemorate the Pacem in Terris encyclical, which was issued by Pope John XXIII in 1963. The encyclical emphasized the importance of promoting peace, justice, and human rights, and the award was created to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to these causes. The award is presented annually, and past recipients have included Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Bishop Ernest Fitzgerald, and Sister Helen Prejean. The Pacem in Terris Award has been recognized by the Vatican, and has been praised by Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope John Paul II.

● History

The Catholic Diocese of Davenport has a long history of promoting peace and social justice, dating back to the early 20th century when Bishop Edmond Heelan was a vocal advocate for workers' rights and social justice. The diocese has continued to be a strong voice for peace and justice, with Bishop Frank Greteman and Bishop William Franklin being notable examples. The Pacem in Terris Award was established during the tenure of Bishop Gerald O'Keefe, who was a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement and worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders. The award has been presented to individuals from around the world, including South African Nelson Mandela, Polish Lech Walesa, and Pakistani Malala Yousafzai.

● Criteria and Selection

The Pacem in Terris Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting peace, justice, and human rights, as exemplified by the lives of Dorothy Day, Cesar Chavez, and Mother Teresa. The selection process involves a rigorous review of nominations, with a committee composed of representatives from the Catholic Diocese of Davenport, St. Ambrose University, and other local organizations. The committee considers factors such as the individual's contributions to peace and social justice, their commitment to promoting human rights, and their inspiration to others, as seen in the lives of Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Desmond Tutu. The award is typically presented to one individual per year, although in some cases, multiple individuals have been recognized, such as Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.

● Notable Recipients

The Pacem in Terris Award has been presented to a diverse range of individuals, including Nobel Peace Prize laureates Jane Addams, Emily Greene Balch, and Alva Myrdal. Other notable recipients include Civil Rights Movement leaders Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Stokely Carmichael, as well as anti-apartheid activists Walter Sisulu and Oliver Tambo. The award has also been presented to individuals who have worked to promote peace and justice in Latin America, such as Oscar Romero and Jean-Bertrand Aristide, and in Asia, such as Aung San Suu Kyi and Corazon Aquino. The Pacem in Terris Award has been recognized by the United Nations, and has been praised by Kofi Annan, Ban Ki-moon, and Antonio Guterres.

● Ceremony and Traditions

The Pacem in Terris Award ceremony is typically held in Davenport, Iowa, and is attended by dignitaries from around the world, including Vatican officials, United States government representatives, and Nobel Peace Prize laureates. The ceremony includes a keynote address by the recipient, as well as performances by local musicians and artists, such as the Davenport Symphony Orchestra and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. The award is presented by the Bishop of Davenport, and is accompanied by a citation and a medal, designed by St. Ambrose University artist Frank Conlon. The ceremony is also attended by representatives from the Catholic Church, including Cardinal Blase Cupich, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, and Archbishop Christophe Pierre. The Pacem in Terris Award has become an important tradition in the Catholic Diocese of Davenport, and is seen as a way to promote peace and social justice, inspired by the teachings of Pope John XXIII and the lives of Martin Luther King Jr., Desmond Tutu, and Dorothy Day.

Category:Awards