2024 Seminary Salutes Rerum Novarum Awards

University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary hosted its annual Rerum Novarum Seminary Salutes event on Nov. 7 at the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150, in Countryside, Illinois.

The yearly event honors distinguished individuals who embody Catholic social teachings, recognizing leaders in labor, business, and government.

This year, Mundelein Seminary awarded Don Villar, Treasurer of the Chicago Federation of Labor, for Labor; Don Biernacki, Executive Vice President for Construction for Related Midwest, for Business; and Marcy Twardak, CFO for Corboy and Demetrio for Government/Public Service. 

In addition, the event honored Father Clete Kiley with the St. John Vianney Award, a prestigious recognition in the Catholic community, for his 50 years of dedicated service to the priesthood.

Since 1991, Seminary Salutes has recognized lay men and women in labor, business, and government. It aims to support the formation of future priests by honoring those who embody the values of the Church in their professional lives.

The Rerum Novarum Award, named after the landmark papal encyclical issued by Pope Leo XIII in 1891, is a beacon of hope. This encyclical addressed the social and economic challenges of the Industrial Revolution, advocating for the rights of workers and the dignity of human labor. The award, by honoring those significantly promoting social justice and the common good, inspires us all to continue the fight for a more just and equitable society.

Proceeds from the Seminary Salutes event benefit the formation of young men discerning a vocation to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Chicago. By honoring exemplary individuals, the event serves as a powerful inspiration for future generations of priests, encouraging them to serve the Church and society with the same dedication and commitment.