MCHENRY—Father Godwin Asuquo was presented the Courageous Catholic service award by WSFI Catholic Radio 88.5 FM, Nov. 13. 

 

WSFI, a nonprofit Catholic radio serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, recognized Father Asuquo’s service in bringing people together in the McHenry area to care for their immediate and international neighbors.

 

During the award gala, Father Asuquo mentioned how honored and grateful he was to be receiving the award. He thanked God, Bishop David Malloy, St. Patrick’s parishioners and ImaBridge Africa. 

 

ImaBridge Africa was founded in 2008 by Father Asuquo and volunteers from the Northern Illinois University community after a mission trip to Nigeria. The charity has provided clean water, health care, education and micro-finance loans to thousands of people in Nigeria.

 

ImaBridge Africa recently completed a state-of-the-art, 50-bed hospital in Nigeria. The commissioning and grand opening is slated for Dec. 2021. Hopes for the hospital include free medical treatments for pregnant women and their children as well as affordable life-saving surgeries. 

 

ImaBridge Africa follows Mat. 25:31-40: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.”

 

Providentially, the next day, Nov 14th, was World Day of the Poor. Pope Francis stressed in his apostolic letter Misericordia et Miseri (Mercy and Misery) that “as long as Lazarus lies at the door of our homes (cf. Lk 16:19-21), there can be no justice or social peace.”

 

Compiled with information provided by Cecilia Adams.