“What has been, that will be; what has been done, that will be done. Nothing is new under the sun!”
Thus says the Book of Ecclesiastes, a sentiment that may well summarize much that has happened in 2023. Old wars continued; new wars started. Evil in the form of abortion, antisemitism, racial injustice, and attacks on religious liberty stole the headlines and rooted itself in the hearts of many. In the face of these evils stood countless people of faith — many of whom will go to their graves unrecognized for the good they did to fight against the lies and powers of the Evil One. But some have shown themselves worthy of recognition for their defense of life, peace, hope, truth and, ultimately, the Gospel.
With that, we are honored to present Our Sunday Visitor’s 2023 Catholics of the Year.
Jeanne Mancini
Pro-life advocacy
As the President of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, Jeanne Mancini has fervently led the charge in advocating for the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. Her tireless efforts in organizing the annual March for Life, the largest pro-life event in the world, have brought together millions in a peaceful demonstration for the defense of the unborn.
This year Mancini oversaw the 50th annual March for Life, the first march in post-Roe America. On that occasion, Mancini said, “With Roe now behind us, we are empowered to save countless innocent American lives by continuing to advocate for commonsense protections at the state and federal level, educating Americans on the intrinsic dignity of all human life.”
True to her word, Mancini’s commitment extends beyond the march in Washington. In 2019, Mancini began to organize state marches, working to build a network to advance pro-life legislation at the state level. In 2024, Mancini will help organize 16 state marches. She won’t quit until every state has a march.
“Jeanne’s deep faith and humility have made her one of the great pro-life leaders of our time,” said Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly of the Knights of Columbus. “With grace she continues to transform the March for Life in accord with the needs of our day, and to reach millions of young people — helping them see that they are not alone in their pro-life convictions.”
In recognizing Jeanne Mancini, we celebrate a woman whose life’s work is to walk with every woman, to protect every child.
Curtis Martin
Missionary discipleship
Curtis Martin’s dedication to the mission of bringing Christ to young minds on college campuses thunders from the heart of the Church. His pivotal role as the visionary founder of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) merits earnest recognition as a nominee for Catholic of the Year.
Martin’s missionary journey is shaped by his own profound conversion. He and his wife Michaelann reclaimed their faith in their collegiate years, fostered through evangelical Christian Bible studies. That experience laid the groundwork for their impassioned mission to bring Catholic Scripture study to college students.
Martin’s path toward establishing FOCUS gained momentum through providential encounters with influential Catholic figures like Scott Hahn and a retreat led at Benedictine College with Edward Sri in 1998. When Curtis Martin had the opportunity to share his ideas that year with St. John Paul II, the pope responded: “Be soldiers.” FOCUS has since blossomed into a global force, reaching campuses across the United States, animated by a vibrant network of missionaries to guide young hearts toward holiness.
Today FOCUS boasts 850 missionaries who directly mentor 4,000 students in 216 locations. As FOCUS celebrates its 25th anniversary, the aspirations to reach more campuses and parishes echo Martin’s unwavering commitment to the value of each soul won for Christ.
A father of nine, grandfather of six and author of several books on discipleship, Martin’s evangelical vision makes him a compelling nominee for the title of Catholic of the Year.
Montse Alvarado
Defending religious liberty
In the ever-evolving landscape of global Catholic media, few figures typify journalistic integrity quite like Montse Alvarado. With her appointment as president and chief operating officer of EWTN News, Inc., her remarkable journey and contributions to the Catholic faith merit her a fitting Catholic of the Year nominee.
At the helm of EWTN’s global news media platforms, Alvarado oversees a diverse spectrum of content creation in numerous languages. Alvarado’s career trajectory, from the prestigious Becket Fund for Religious Liberty to pioneering the news program “EWTN News in Depth,” reflects a profound commitment to defending religious freedom and addressing critical societal issues through a Catholic lens.
Highlighted as “a defender of all religion, on the front lines of America’s culture wars” by the Wall Street Journal, Alvarado’s influence is etched in victories at the Supreme Court including securing essential wins for the Little Sisters of the Poor and Philadelphia Catholic Social Services.
Her multifaceted involvement within the Church extends beyond journalism and advocacy. Alvarado has been a strategic ally to apostolates navigating the challenges of secularism and shifting global Church demographics, aligning herself with organizations inspired by the new evangelization.
Kathryn Jean Lopez, editor-at-large of National Review Online, has praised Alvarado’s television program saying, “She does a beautiful job of going beyond the headlines and telling beautiful stories about what is really going on in the Church, people serving, people courageously surrendering to the Lord and his will for them.”
In recognition of her advocacy and contributions to building up the Church, Montse Alvarado is a compelling candidate for the esteemed title of Catholic of the Year.
Major Archbishop Shevchuk
Courage and solidarity
Amid tumultuous global shifts and conflicts, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the revered head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, is resilient and courageous. His steadfast leadership during Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine positions him as an exemplary nominee for Catholic of the Year.
His upbringing amidst the shadow of Soviet oppression lends a poignant backdrop to his unwavering faith. Living through the underground Catholic movement during the Soviet era, Archbishop Shevchuk embodies the struggle and resilience of a community forced to worship in secrecy. His vocation to the priesthood was cultivated within this milieu.
Despite being targeted on a Russian hit list, Archbishop Shevchuk remains resolute, standing alongside his people in solidarity. His daily video messages, issued from undisclosed locations due to security concerns, convey his trust in God and his commitment to guiding and inspiring his flock.
What does he say to those who have lost loved ones in the fighting? Archbishop Shevchuk told OSV News this summer, “The response is just to be present, to stand with and maybe to cry with them, to share their pain and sorrow.”
Despite being relatively unknown to many in the West, as the head and father of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Archbishop Shevchuk oversees its expansive reach across multiple continents. His jurisdiction extends beyond Ukraine, encompassing the worldwide diaspora of Ukrainian Catholics.
Myroslav Marynovych, a former Gulag prisoner, has praised Archbishop Shevchuk calling him “a bridge between different eras: the communist persecution of the Church, its revival, and its response to various modern challenges, including the war.” His heroic devotion makes him worthy of our admiration and emulation.
Sister Josephine Garrett, CSFN
Healing racial division
Sister Josephine Garrett is an unrivaled voice sharing compelling Catholic stories of faith, healing and belonging. Her extraordinary contributions and enthusiasm for amplifying the voices of Black Catholics through her podcast, “Hope Stories,” make her a worthy recipient of the title Catholic of the Year.
Born into a Baptist family, Sister Josephine converted to Catholicism and worked her way to a successful career at Bank of America. That she left behind her post of managing hundreds of employees to embrace religious life speaks volumes about her courage and zeal.
A licensed counselor, Sister Josephine brings her expertise to guide and support the younger generation as a school counselor at St. Gregory Cathedral School in Tyler, Texas. A captivating speaker, Sister Josephine routinely delights audiences of thousands with her inspiring message.
“Hope Stories” endeavors to shed light on the experiences of Black Catholics, extending a welcoming space for their stories to be heard, celebrated and embraced. In her interviews, Sister Josephine masterfully explores the tales of faith, pain, struggle and joy of Black Catholics, offering a platform to share perspectives often unheard. The podcast transcends race, aiming to touch the hearts of all listeners, inviting them to witness the richness of Black Catholic culture within the broader Church.
Stepping into a project of this nature, grappling with sensitive topics such as race and identity within the Church, requires immense courage and resolve. Sister Josephine’s efforts to foster healing and understanding within the Church are a testament to her confidence in the Holy Spirit and conviction in the transformative power of storytelling.
Through “Hope Stories,” Sister Josephine hopes to recognize and celebrate the myriad gifts that Black Catholics bring to the Church. Her infectious laughter and deep emotional investment in each conversation intensify the impact of the stories shared and the genuine connections formed.
Mary Eberstadt
Standing against antisemitism
Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war and the alarming surge in antisemitic incidents worldwide, a dynamic coalition of influential Catholic leaders has emerged. Mary Eberstadt deserves recognition for her singular contribution to raising awareness about the rise in antisemitism and uniting Catholics against it.
Eberstadt was instrumental in forming the Coalition of Catholics Against Antisemitism (CCAAS), which was officially launched during the “Nostra Aetate and the Future of Catholic-Jewish Relations at a Time of Rising Antisemitism” conference held in Steubenville, Ohio, this fall. This conference marked the anniversary of the release of Nostra Aetate, a groundbreaking document in Catholic-Jewish relations, and the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in 2018.
Eberstadt, the Panula Chair in Christian Culture at the Catholic Information Center and senior research fellow at the Faith & Reason Institute, passionately conveyed the coalition’s mission during the conference. She emphasized that solidarity with the Jewish people is both a moral imperative and a pro-life stance.
“In a moment when many believers are demoralized and wondering what the Faith means now, the Coalition of Catholics Against Antisemitism affirms a powerful answer. Like Jews, Catholics love life. And we stand for life from conception to natural death — including, and emphatically, the lives of our elder brothers and sisters in faith,” Eberstadt declared.
Mary Eberstadt’s commitment to combating antisemitism, as demonstrated through her leadership in the Coalition of Catholics Against Antisemitism, encourages us to renew our alliance with Jewish people throughout the world.
Mother Agnes Mary Donovan, SV
A pioneer of religious life
Mother Agnes Mary Donovan, SV. Her labors to spread awareness of the sanctity of life and her pivotal role as the superior general of the Sisters of Life make her an exemplary nominee for Catholic of the Year.
A seasoned psychologist and highly-regarded professor at Columbia University, Mother Agnes’ life took an unexpected turn when she answered the call of Cardinal John O’Connor. The cardinal’s vision for a new religious order dedicated to upholding the sacredness of every human life resonated deeply within Mother Agnes’ heart, leading her to become one of the pioneering Sisters of Life. She describes this transition as “the best decision in my life.”
The congregation began with eight devoted sisters and has blossomed under Mother Agnes’ guidance to include nearly 130 sisters across various convents and apostolic centers. Their apostolic outreach includes cities such as New York, Denver, Philadelphia, Washington, Toronto and Phoenix, offering a glimmer of hope to countless vulnerable lives.
The Sisters of Life, under Mother Agnes’ leadership, have extended their arms to thousands of pregnant women in crisis. Through counseling, housing, financial aid and unyielding support, they have aided mothers facing challenging circumstances. Their efforts have spared 10,000 mothers from the tragedy of abortion. This summer Mother Agnes retired from leading the order; she served at the helm for three decades.
“Far from sentimentality, this love is the image of the Love of God,” Mother Agnes Mary
Donovan said at the Knights of Columbus’ annual convention. “It is the way of God’s love. Often, such love requires courage to look beyond the distressing disguises’ of the sinful, weak, vulnerable and very imperfect person before me and to love them with consistency, perseverance, fortitude and delight. To love in this way is to grow in virtue.”
Despite the challenges in the battle against abortion, Mother Agnes is an exemplary witness of hope. She acknowledges the struggle but draws strength from the promise of Christ’s victory. Her unwavering trust in God’s plan and her resolute belief that the true light shines in the darkness is a true inspiration.
Father Gabriel Romanelli, IVE
Ministering in the face of adversity
As chaos and suffering grips the Holy Land, Father Gabriel Romanelli is a persevering pastor. The leader of Gaza’s only Catholic church, the Argentine-born priest of the Institute of the Incarnate Word has faced the brutal realities of the Israel-Hamas war with courage and an unyielding commitment to his parishioners. With profound admiration, we nominate Father Romanelli as a Catholic of the Year.
The plight of Gaza, under siege since Oct. 8, has taken a toll on its residents, and Father Romanelli’s faithful priestly ministry has been nothing short of extraordinary. In an interview with OSV News, he shared the grim reality his parish is facing — a complex that is now home to around 700 people in desperate need. The humanitarian crisis is overwhelming, with shortages of supplies and electricity and the looming threat of contaminated water.
The war in the region has not only created physical hardships but also emotional and spiritual turmoil. His parishioners, including the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará, the Sisters of the Rosary, and the Missionaries of Charity, continue their work in the midst of fear and uncertainty, striving to shield the children from the harsh realities of conflict.
As Gaza faced increasingly dire conditions, Father Romanelli emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid. His plea for prayers for peace, the release of hostages and the admission of humanitarian convoys reflects his deep concern for the well-being of those under his care.
Father Romanelli’s leadership is characterized by a deep sense of responsibility and an unwavering commitment to his faith. Despite the scarcity of resources, he and his parishioners persevere, turning to prayer and the Mass as sources of solace and strength. The continuous recitation of the Rosary, daily Eucharistic adoration and the celebration of Mass twice daily demonstrate a steadfast reliance on Christ’s presence amid adversity.
In the face of danger, Father Romanelli and his parish community are exemplary Christians — selfless, compassionate and confident in the power of prayer.
Scott Richert and Gretchen Crowe
The future of Catholic media
In a year marked by significant shifts in the landscape of Catholic media, two individuals stand out for their pivotal roles in shaping the future of Catholic media. Scott Richert, publisher of Our Sunday Visitor, and Gretchen Crowe, editor-in-chief of OSV News, are well-deserved Catholics of the Year.
Scott Richert’s foresight and leadership have been instrumental in the creation of OSV News, a new Catholic news service that launched on Dec. 31, 2022. In response to the closure of the U.S. bishops’ Catholic News Service, Richert initiated discussions to ensure the seamless transition of subscribers to the new platform. The creation of OSV News demonstrates a need for maintaining a trusted source of national and international Catholic news.
Gretchen Crowe brings two decades of experience in the Catholic press to her new role. Her exceptional understanding of the evolving media landscape and commitment to faithful, trusted journalism positions her as a pivotal figure in the launch of OSV News.
“On behalf of the Catholic Media Association, I am grateful to God for the exemplary work of Scott Richert and Gretchen Crowe in the establishment of OSV News,” said Rob DeFrancesco, executive director of the Catholic Media Association. “In the face of great change, their vision and determination to create a news service helped serve a need in our communities for outstanding journalism.”
In a world hungering for truth, OSV News stands for journalistic integrity, emphasizing the value of accuracy, completeness, justice and charity in reporting. Under the stewardship of Richert and Crowe, OSV News pledges to deliver news informed by Catholic values, amplifying stories that promote the common good. “Their leadership transformed OSV News into a vital resource for Catholics, contributing significantly to the evangelization mission of the Church,” said DeFrancesco.
In recognizing Scott Richert and Gretchen Crowe as Catholics of the Year, we celebrate their service to the Church’s mission, their visionary leadership in shaping the future of Catholic media, and their dedication to upholding the truth in a world in desperate need of it. Through OSV News, they are not just preserving a legacy but actively contributing to a new renaissance in Catholic journalism.
In memoriam: Cardinal George Pell
Cardinal George Pell, aged 81, passed away suddenly in Rome after a heart attack following a hip replacement surgery. Despite being falsely accused and imprisoned for sexual abuse, his conviction was overturned. Pope Francis said the Australian prelate would be remembered for “his consistent and committed witness, his dedication to the Gospel and the Church, and particularly his diligent cooperation with the Holy See in its recent economic reform, for which he laid the foundations with determination and wisdom.” Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane said, “if George Pell had anything they were a good heart and a sense of humor.”
Born June 8, 1941, in Ballarat, Australia, he was a star football player in high school and college. Still, he left that behind to enter the seminary, studying first in Australia and then at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1966 at St. Peter’s Basilica. St. John Paul II appointed him an auxiliary bishop of Melbourne in 1987, archbishop of Melbourne in 1996, archbishop of Sydney in 2001 and gave him the cardinal’s red hat in 2003. Soon after his election, Pope Francis named Cardinal Pell to his international Council of Cardinals to advise him on the reform of the Roman Curia and, in 2014, Pope Francis named him prefect of the new Council for the Economy.
