Damien House receives Martyrs Award from Loyola University

November 1, 2018
communications

Damien House, a mission partner of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, has been selected as this year’s recipient of the 2018 Martyrs Award from Loyola University for its role in serving the needs of those living with Hansen’s Disease (leprosy) in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

The Martyrs Award was created in 2015 to recognize faith-based individuals or organizations that champions social justice issues and serves marginalized communities and continue the legacy of the eight Salvadoran martyrs who were killed in 1989 for speaking out against the government and advocating for the poor.

Damien House serves the needs of those living with Hansen’s Disease and provides a clean space and environment where residents live with dignity, love, and hope. Patients receive daily basic needs such as their meals, clean water, and complete medical care. Throughout the year, Damien House welcomes medical teams from the US who collaborate professionally and perform surgeries, which can alleviate the suffering of Hanson’s patients. Since the 1980s, Annie Credidio, BVM has been the driving force in this ministry.

Dr. Jo Ann Rooney, president of Loyola University Chicago, wrote: “Damien House has been selected for the 2018 award in recognition of the immense positive impact you have made upon the lives of people marginalized by Hansen’s Disease; for the holistic approach to the care of the person provided by your wrap-around services; because your services are distributed to those at the very fringes of society; in solidarity with Loyola Chicago’s current focus on our global responsibilities; and with empathy for the geographical connection between the UCA Martyrs and the people of Ecuador.”

Loyola University: 2018 Martyrs Award

During Ignatian Heritage Month, the Loyola community comes together to reflect and act on the Jesuit mission of service.

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