For 25 years — ever since the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago began honoring worldwide Peacemakers — Viatorians have attended.
And for the last three years, a Viatorian has hosted the dinner. Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, serves as president of CTU, which is one of the largest graduate schools of theology and ministry in the country.
The annual Blessed are the Peacemakers Trustee Dinner honors an individual who reflect CTU’s values, particularly in the areas of reconciliation, justice and peacemaking.
Over the years, its recipients have ranged from Fr. Theodore M. Hesburgh, CSC, president of the University of Notre Dame in 1998; to Queen Noor of Jordan in 2001; to filmmaker Steven Spielberg in 2003.
This year, the more than 400 guests honored Carole Segal, who founded Crate & Barrel stores with her husband, Gordon. She was the recipient of the Diakonia Award for Service. Members honored Segal for her activism in immigration reform — both working behind the scenes with the Interfaith Committee on Detained Immigrants, and for her lobbying efforts to raise awareness in the business community.
photo by Karen Callaway/Catholic New World
Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich, an outspoken proponent of immigration reform, was the evening’s featured speaker.
Overall, the dinner honored CTU’s 25-year commitment to peacemaking — demonstrated in programming that promotes interreligious dialogue among Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
It also honored its educational offerings that prepare candidates for the priesthood, vowed religious, and lay women and men to be effective leaders in a culturally diverse Church.
CTU aims to produce graduates who are exemplary peacemakers and promote justice, love, and peace throughout the world.