• The BERAKAH AWARD has been given since the beginning of the Academy and is given every year to a member of the Academy to honor her or his work.

Click year to read citation:

2004: Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman

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2003: Hoyt Hickman

The 2003 Berakah Award to Hoyt L. Hickman

Learned pastor, skilled writer and editor,
Intrepid leader, indefatigable guide,
Witty genealogist, generous friend---

True catechist of the Church, Methodist and Ecumenical
Wesley's “knowledge and vital piety” have embraced
in you to bring forth fruitful reform and renewal.

With legendary ecclesial savvy, you have
nurtured authentic evangelical diversity
sourced in the centrality of Word and Sacrament--
all with a caring heart.

For these graced gifts marking your steadfast vocation
in this golden jubilee year of your ordination
we shout “HALLELUJAH!” giving thanks.

 

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2002: Clarence Rufus J. Rivers

Born with a song in your soul and fire in your bones

you sing freedom, justice, the love of God;

Your fire ignited liturgy and music for the Church Catholic,

And summoned all to come in from the cold

to new centers of color, sound—to the City in that Kingdom, Hallelujah!

For all that you are, and all you have given in pain and joy—

Irrepressible, Spirit-in-flesh, true original, faithful servant,

Your three-score and ten sounding earth and heaven,

Seeking a place of beauty and bright mansions

with no want, pain or tears—

We shout HALLELUJAH.

God is Love.

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2001: Robert Edward Rambush

Where liturgical design and social witness meet,

Where elements of earth and living imagination fuse,

When renewal of life and resurrection hilarity dance

Where space and people embrace in 400 and more places of adoration and doxology—

countless windows, tapestries, ambos and altars,

furnishings, paraments, fonts and pools,

drawings, calendars, postcards

ecumenically co-mingling—

There you move in our midst

with delight and reverence, awe and artistry.

you have given images lavishly in myriad ways

for the people of God assembled for prayer,

Timeless servant, rambunctious,

fresh-witted friend

Thus we praise God for your person and work.

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2000: John Gallen, S.J.

Progenitor, prophet, Priest,

Seer, Sustainer,  Shepherd,

Writer, Editor, Wonder-Waking teacher—

Your friendship

embraces ecumenism's wide bounds,

while an Ignatian flame

burn in your intellectual heart,

for our “mutual enrichment” and

“redounding to the pastoral good

of the churches.”

From Scottsdale and South Bend

to this time and place,

your seal is on all our assemblies

and your joyful encouragement

in every good conciliar work.

Thus we bless God,

and celebrate your on-going gifts.

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