ROCKFORD—The Holy Name Society of St. Anthony of Padua Parish has honored two long-time members with its first service awards.
The first of the Lifetime Service Awards was presented on April 11 to Sam Caruana, a World War II veteran who turned 100 years old three days later on April 14.
The second award was given to Leonard Marinelli, also a World War II veteran, on July 11, his 103rd birthday.
Each award was given during the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Anthony of Padua with family members attending with members of the Holy Name Society. The men were then recognized at the monthly regular Holy Name meeting following the Masses.
Caruana joined the Army in 1942 and was assigned to the 104th Infantry Division, which fought in Belgium and Germany in the European Theatre. He was a printer, a skill he learned at Rockford High School.
Marinelli joined the Marines in 1944 and served in the Pacific Theatre. He was a tool-and-die maker and worked until he was 99 years old.
St. Anthony’s Holy Name Service Award was established to recognize members of the parish who have made significant contributions to the parish community through outstanding involvement in activities, long-time service, diligent participation in aspects of the Mass or any other area that is appropriate.
Such contributions should have promoted the Church’s mission to worship God in truth and love, helped to share the faith and embolden compassionate outreach as well as made a notable impact on the community, showing the highest Catholic standards and ideals.
Society rooted in Europe
Roots of the Holy Name Society can be traced back to the 13th century when Pope Gregory X commissioned the newly-formed Dominican Order to concentrate its efforts on preaching devotion to the Holy Name.
On April 13, 1564, Pope Pius IV created the Confraternity of the Most Holy Name which provided papal recognition and devotion to the name of God and Christ.
The National Association of the Holy Name Society was established at a national convention in New Orleans, La.
The chapter at St. Anthony of Padua was established in 1944 when the first meetings were held at the former Maria’s Italian Cafe, located two blocks from the parish.
The Holy Name Society is found in parishes worldwide but mostly in the United States and Australia. The only other acknowledged chapter in the Rockford area is at St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish.
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