Basilica names two recipients of the Servant of God, Father Ryan Award

The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga announced two recipients of the Servant of God, Father Patrick Ryan Award, on Sept. 29.

Parishioners Jim Gallagher and Carmen Hernández received the award this year.

Mr. Gallagher has been a lifelong Catholic and a parishioner at Sts. Peter and Paul since 1998. He said he very much enjoys all the changes, new programs, and lively spirit that have enveloped the parish over the past decade. He said he also enjoys sharing in the daily noon Mass. In recent years, he has been involved in several ministries to help those in need, including serving as a reader at funeral Masses.

In 2015, with the help of basilica rector Father David Carter and several parishioners, Mr. Gallagher launched a committee to help the basilica’s sister parish in Haiti, and they initiated mission trips to Haiti. Mr. Gallagher has been with the Chattanooga Deanery’s prison ministry over the past seven years.

He has also recently agreed to take on a new assignment as the Catholic Charities parish ambassador representing Sts. Peter and Paul, in concert with other parish ambassadors throughout the diocese. Because of his efforts to reach out to those who need material and spiritual support in their daily lives, Mr. Gallagher has been chosen as a recipient of the Servant of God, Father Patrick Ryan Award in 2024.

Ms. Hernández, originally from Guatemala, has been participating at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul for six years. During the time she has been with the parish, she has never refused to give her time and resources to help others. Patience and joy have always been her greatest virtues, and she uses them as a catechist for parish children, when she teaches them the prayers they must know to receive their first Holy Communion.

Ms. Hernández’s service is not limited to catechesis. She also participates with the women’s group of the Bienvenidos ministry, where she is an example of courage and kindness for other women. She has always shown humility, and her help has been silent and generous. For these and many other reasons, Ms. Hernández has been chosen to receive the Servant of God, Father Patrick Ryan Award in 2024.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *