since 1991– the first Gulf War. Religious freedom, inevitably, is a huge piece of that picture because the primary threat to the Christians in that part of the world, in addition to the political chaos and instability, is the rise of Islamic fundamentalism – a threat that poses to the viability of a pluralistic society. The issue the Vatican is concerned with – not merely for the symbolic reason – is the disappearance of Christianity in the land of Christ’s birth.” Not only was the lecture informative to all who attended at the University of St. Thomas, but Allen
himself admitted that part of why he commits to lectures is to enrich his own faith. “What it brings home is that for all of the heartache and the angst in the Church, I see the real vitality, dynamism and life when you move around,” Allen said. “Everywhere I go I find people who are deeply committed to the Church who are asking very intelligent questions about the issues the Church faces – and this helps and gives me a shot in the arm in my faith.” ■ – Jesse Maldonado, Managing Editor, Texas Catholic Herald
Reprinted with permission.
UST President Dr. Robert Ivany, Joe Tortorice, John Allen, Jr., and Center for Faith and Culture Director Fr. Donald S. Nesti, CSSp.
Joe Tortorice Receives Faithful Citizen Award The Center for Faith and Culture presented the Faithful Citizen Award to Joe Tortorice, president and CEO of Deli Management, Inc., which operates the Jason’s Deli restaurant chain. The award is conferred upon persons who are led by the Holy Spirit and who manifest the incarnate love of God for this world in their lives and actions as Catholics. Tortorice is known for putting his faith into practice personally and professionally. He is a parishioner at Saint Anthony’s Basilica in Beaumont and a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Friends and supporters of the Center attended the lecture and dinner, chaired by Judy and Darby Seré. The event raised more than $100,000 to help support the mission and programs of the Center. (more at stthom.edu/cfc)
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