CSS honours MacNeil for his 'exceptional contributions'

Retired archbishop turns plaudits back to founder Irwin

Archbishop Emeritus Joseph MacNeil

By RAMON GONZALEZ
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

Archbishop Emeritus Joseph MacNeil has been awarded the Msgr. Bill Irwin Award of Excellence by Catholic Social Services.

Father Mike McCaffery presented the award to MacNeil before more than 300 people at the agency's 46th annual general meeting at Hotel MacDonald June 12.

Named after the agency's founder, the Msgr. Bill Irwin Award of Excellence is granted to organizations or individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the well-being of the community or who have demonstrated the highest standard of excellence in a human services field.

MacNeil, who was honoured for his "exceptional service to the Church, Albertans and Canadians at large," said he accepted the award on the basis of the excellent relationship that has existed over the years between Catholic Social Services and himself.

He said it was "a great honour" to receive an award of excellence named after his friend Msgr. Irwin, who he described as "a man of integrity and of high standards" both in his personal life and as a priest. "He was a wonderful example to all of us."

MacNeil received a standing ovation and cheers as he came forward to accept the award.

"He is a passionate and compassionate leader whose keen intellect and exceptional interpersonal skills, humility and great sense of humour have enabled him to attain success in all he has undertaken in the service of his God, his Church and his country," McCaffery said of the archbishop before the award presentation.

Continues to serve

A native of Sydney, N.S., MacNeil served as archbishop of Edmonton from 1973 to 1999. He celebrated 60 years of priesthood just last month.

"Rather than resting on his laurels, he continues to serve the people and the Church he so loves," McCaffery said, noting that in recognition of MacNeil's leadership and service to youth an elementary junior high school was named after him in 2006.

"Archbishop MacNeil was a very close friend and trusted confidante of Msgr. Irwin, who drew much of his vision, courage and inspiration and pastoral genius from the archbishop," the priest continued.

Unfailing support

"Without Archbishop MacNeil's outstanding leadership and unfailing support, Father Bill (Irwin) often remarked that Catholic Social Services would never have grown into Canada's largest multifunction service agency."

Added McCaffery: "As the prophet Micah stated, a saintly person is one who 'loves tenderly, acts justly, and walks humbly with his God.' And certainly, in every facet of Archbishop MacNeil's life, and in every mark of affection he has shown to both the powerful and the weak, the archbishop has exemplified that calling."

McCaffery, former senator Thelma Chalifoux, Judy and Harry Buddle, and Court of Queen's Bench Chief Justice Allan Wachowich are among past winners of the Msgr. Bill Irwin Award of Excellence.

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