The Alumni/ae Association of Fordham University's Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education hosted the First Annual Sapientia et Doctrina Celebration, an evening of liturgy, dinner, and awards on Saturday, September 30, 2006 at the Rose Hill Campus, Bronx, NY. Liturgy in the University Church at 6:00 p.m. was followed by dinner and awards in the McGinley Center.

During the evening the Founders' Award was presented to three distinguished individuals who were the founding group of the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education: Reverend Vincent Novak, S.J., Dr. Jack Nelson, and Reverend Joseph Novak, S.J.

A second award, the Gaudium et Spes Award was presented as well. Gaudium et Spes, the Second Vatican Council's Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, challenges the Church to immerse itself in the world and to embrace the concerns and needs of all humanity. Gaudium et Spes calls the Church to a vision of social justice and involvement in the issues of today's world. This award honored the National Pastoral Life Center and Monsignor Philip J. Murnion, (posthumously).

The final award, the Sapientia et Doctrina (named for Fordham's motto,"Wisdom and Knowledge"), were given to recognize and honor the work of people who have made outstanding contributions in one of the following areas: Parish Ministy, Religious Education, Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Spiritual Direction, Pastoral Counseling, and Social Justice.

Sr. Miriam Cleary, osu, Founder of the Center for Spirituality and Justice
was honored with a Sapientia et Doctrina Award for her contribution to the renewal of the Church.

We are proud of Sr. Miriam!
We Thank and Praise God for all that Sr. Miriam has done and continues to do for the Church and the Center!

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