The Friars Welcomed Family and Friends at the Annual Provincial's Dinner

Chicago, Illinois — October 25, 2024: Last night, the Dominican Province of St. Albert the Great (Central Province) hosted its highly anticipated Provincial’s Dinner at the Union League Club of Chicago. The event was an overwhelming success, drawing friends, benefactors, and members of the Catholic community for an evening of celebration, fellowship, and recognition. 

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Great Preacher’s Award, an honor given to individuals or groups exemplifying the spirit of the Gospel through both word and action. This year, the Dominican Friars awarded the honor to the Most Reverend Bishop Robert J. Lombardo, CFR, and the Franciscans of the Eucharist, recognizing their outstanding work at the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels in the Chicago neighborhood of West Humboldt Park. 

In his remarks, Fr. Louis S. Morrone, OP, Prior Provincial, reflected on the significance of the Franciscans’ ministry: “The Franciscans of the Eucharist embody the essence of the Gospel in their outreach to the poor and marginalized. Their ministry reflects the same values we, as Dominicans, strive to uphold in our preaching and service.” 

Bishop Robert J. Lombardo, CFR, who leads the Franciscans of the Eucharist, accepted the award on behalf of the community. The Franciscans have gained widespread admiration for their dedicated work in one of Chicago’s most under-resourced neighborhoods. Through food distribution, after-school programs, community outreach, and spiritual care, the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels provides critical support to hundreds of families.

Guests at the Provincial’s Dinner enjoyed an evening filled with meaningful conversations, inspiring speeches, and camaraderie, all underscoring the importance of mission-driven service (enjoy the video shared at the dinner highlighting experiences of our student friars). The event not only celebrated Dominican heritage but also fostered deeper connections within the Catholic community.

The successful dinner reinforced the shared mission of the Dominican Friars and the Franciscans of the Eucharist to preach the Gospel through service and compassion. This gathering served as a reminder of the power of faith and community in transforming lives and spreading hope in areas most in need.

With its inspiring atmosphere and focus on honoring impactful ministries, this year’s Provincial’s Dinner left guests looking forward to opportunities to support the Dominican Province and its mission. 

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About the Dominican Province of St. Albert the Great (Central Province)

The Dominican Friars of the Province of Saint Albert the Great, also known as the Central Province, are dedicated to communicating the Word of God through preaching, theological education, and the promotion of justice and peace. This mission, undertaken as members of the body of Christ, is grounded in a communal life of vows, liturgical prayer, and lifelong study. The Very Reverend Fr. Louis S. Morrone, OP, is the current Prior Provincial.

The Friars preach in a variety of settings, including diocesan offices, parishes, college campuses, schools, hospitals, through the arts, in mission territories, among the poor, on the road, and on the internet.

Founded in 1216 by St. Dominic de Guzman, the Dominican Order, or the Order of Preachers, is a Roman Catholic religious order. The Central Province is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and primarily serves the Midwest as well as Puerto Rico.