AURORA—Fifteen Aurora-area women were honored by family, friends, priests and parishes the evening of Aug. 25 at Pipers Banquets.

 

Honorees were feted with dinner, corsages and award plaques during the event. 

 

Bishop David Malloy presented the awards along with Benedictine Father Patrick Gillmeyer, spiritual advisor for the Aurora Deanery Council of Catholic Women, which organizes the annual event.

 

Bishop Malloy called the event “a real blending of vocations” both priestly and lay.

 

“The need for us in the parishes to continue to blend these vocations — all of us supporting each other, all of us praying for each other, all of us — in the appropriate, loving way of faith — challenging each other to do better, to be good, to continue the good that we already do.

 

“So, what a great opportunity an evening like this is for us to draw courage and strength at a time that is difficult and challenging for the Church, particularly here in Illinois.”

 

Bishop Malloy said the laws on abortion have been greatly weakened and expanded in this state since last year’s gathering, and he expressed his pride in the efforts made by laity in particular in the Diocese of Rockford to try to stop those changes.

 

The bishop also spoke of the Silver and Gold marriage anniversary event the week before, saying, “It is a reminder that sometimes the witness that we give will be a witness that is lived more than spoken. ...

“There are a lot of good things that are going on ... . Thanks to all of you, and especially to the Catholic women for that very special contribution to our life in the diocese.”

 

The 2019 Aurora Deanery Women of Inspiration are:

 

Aurora

Annunication BVM: Marilyn Franck — “a member since (she was) one year old.”

Holy Angels: Mary Lou Wagner — “(She is) open to all tasks, well organized, an efficient leader, and always has a great attitude.”

Our Lady of Good Counsel: Concepción Aguirre — “She always wants to help as if it were part of her family.”

Sacred Heart: Griselda Hernandez — “My wish is to keep building my faith and to grow my love for others around me.”

St. Joseph: Lori Turner — “The more we do for the Lord and for others, the more He does for you, and you cannot outdo Him in generosity.”

St. Mary: Carol Carpenter — “The Holy Spirit and Carol erase the artificial barriers of age and origin, and draw together the diverse members of our parish.”

St. Nicholas: Margarita Arevalo — “(She is an) example of unconditional dedication, initiative and service.”

St. Peter: Janet Sipos — Says she has four families: her husband, her siblings and relatives, her church family, and her (former) nursing home coworkers and the people she works with now.

St. Rita of Cascia: Julieta Jacobo — She is the Evangelization Ministry Coordinator, working with English- and Spanish-speaking communities.

St. Therese of Jesus: Ann Gorecki — “At 81 years old, she is still active and never says ‘no’ when asked for her time and talents.”

 

Batavia

Holy Cross: Alicia Aurit — “Most inspiring is (her) love of the Lord and devotion to the Blessed Mother.”

 

Geneva

St. Peter: Donna O’Dea — “Whatever you need, she is always right there with her ears to listen, her hands to help, her feet to walk and her heart to give.”

 

North Aurora

Blessed Sacrament: Rita Bruner — “She is always willing to help whenever needed.”

 

Sugar Grove

St. Katharine Drexel: Ellen Batorson — “considers herself a very behind-the-scenes person and likes to share her gifts and talents in that way.”

 

Aurora Deanery 

Holy Cross, Batavia: Sally Studlo — “has dedicated herself to the Church,” even as she raised five children.

 

A basket raffle and 50/50 raffle rounded out the evening, which was attended by more than 400 people.