Five members of the Los Angeles Catholic community were honored Feb. 9 for years of service to Church and community at the 24th annual Cardinal’s Award Dinner. The 2013 honorees — Carmelite Sister Regina Marie Gorman, Elizabeth (Bitsy) Hotaling, John McNicholas, Tomás Pacheco and Stephen Page — bring to 120 the number of men and women honored with the award since 1990. “This night is special because we celebrate your faith, your generosity, your dedication to the Church,” said Archbishop José Gomez in addressing the honorees at the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland. “You all make a beautiful difference in the lives of those in need.”The archbishop noted that the Catholic Church is important to the life of a city and community, and the honorees set a positive example for others.“You help make this a city of truth and love,” he said. “Because of you, our Church is a force for good.”Proceeds from the dinner will benefit Juan Diego House of Formation in Gardena, for college-aged men who aspire to priesthood in the archdiocese of Los Angeles. Its residents complete undergraduate coursework at El Camino Community College in Torrance and Cal State Dominguez Hills in Carson before continuing their theological formation St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo.Located next to St. Anthony of Padua Church in Gardena, Juan Diego House requires remodeling and expansion of its current space to allow room for more residents. The facility is nearly at capacity, and more are applying each year, said Father Jim Anguiano, director of Juan Diego House.
