Mercyhurst recognizes Erie City Mission with annual Romero Award
The Archbishop Oscar Romero Award, bestowed annually by the Mercyhurst Department of Religious Studies & Philosophy, will be presented to the Erie City Mission for living the call of faith in an extraordinary manner through its work with the people of Erie.
The award presentation is Monday, March 24, the feast day of Saint Oscar Romero, at 7 p.m. in Mercy Heritage Room. The event is free and open to the public.
The annual Romero lecture will be delivered by Brian Johansson, president and CEO of the Erie City Mission, who will speak on “The Privilege of Serving Our Homeless Neighbors.”
Established in 1911 with a Christ-centered approach, the Erie City Mission strives to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of men, women, and youth in the City of Erie, especially those impacted by the effects of addiction, poverty, hunger, and homelessness. The mission operates almost entirely from donated food, materials, and generous contributions from individuals, churches, and organizations.
“The Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy chose to honor the Erie City Mission this year because they are on the frontlines of working with those in greatest need in the City of Erie,” said Dr. Verna Ehret, department chair. “Their work aligns well with the critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, as well as the Core Values of Mercyhurst, and demonstrates the broader ecumenical reach of those values.”
This marks Mercyhurst’s 31st year of the Romero Award, named for Saint Oscar Romero, the late archbishop of San Salvador, El Salvador, who is remembered for his uncompromising commitment to the poor and oppressed of El Salvador.
PHOTO: Brian Johansson