Currents News Staff
Thirty-three people from various ethnic ministries in Brooklyn and Queens were honored by the diocesan migration services at its annual shining stars dinner over the weekend.
The honorees represent countries like Pakistan, Ecuador, Haiti, Guatemala, Lithuania, and more.
Migration Services recognizes individuals who embody their mission of “Welcoming The Stranger Among Us.”
[Related: Lithuanian “Shining Star” Honoree Helps Restore Brooklyn Church]
Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio was on hand to deliver the awards and he discussed how important it is to celebrate the diversity within the diocese.
“A shining star – they who did something special for their apostolates, we have it every year. So, we have more and more people that are getting involved. Secondly, we see everybody together. It’s like the Pentecost coming alive. All the diversity of the dioceses before us – people have a good time. They’re dancing. They’re talking to one another. So we really see the diversity of the diocese in one place,” DiMarzio said.
The CEO of Catholic Migration Services, Father Patrick Keating was also in attendance to recognize the shining stars. He calls the recipients the backbone of the diocese for their contributions to the community.
“These are people that are really making America great. They’re people that are making our diocese great. They’re people that are making our city great, because they’re people that care about families. They care about their community. They’re hard workers. And they’re an inspiration for all of us to what we all can achieve, and that’s why we honor them,” Keating said.
In total, twelve honorees received their shining star awards at the event, while sixteen additional recipients will be recognized on Friday.