SW News: A prominent US non-profit outfit has awarded Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York for championing the cause of the weak and marginalized people. The Catholic Extension honored the top prelate with its Spirit of Francis Award. The cardinal was given the award for reaching out to marginalized people in Cuba.

The Chicago-headquartered organization bestowed the award on Cardinal Dolan during a gala dinner on November 30 at the Metropolitan Club in New York City. It was hosted by Fr Jack Wall, the president of Catholic Extension, and Cardinal Blasé Cupich of Chicago, the organization’s chancellor.

Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, Rabbi Arthur Schneier, the senior rabbi of New York City’s Park East Synagogue and Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the US, took part in the dinner.

Addressing the gathering, Cardinal Cupich cited three persons named Francis—St Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis and Fr Francis Kelley who founded Catholic Extension that has already finished 27 of the 44 building projects it has committed. It has also been helping the Cuban Catholic Church since 2016 and it aims to rebuild 100 churches throughout the country.

Proceeds from the gala dinner will also go towards funding the Cuban projects. Presenting the award, Fr Wall said Cardinal Dolan is a friend of the Church in Cuba.