November 1, 2019 — Fr. John Mossi, SJ, who serves in the Jesuits West Advancement Office, is one of three people who will be honored by Ignatians West for outstanding service in ministry and church life on November 10.
Based in Los Angeles, Ignatians West offers mature adults the opportunity to serve the needs of the poor or marginalized by volunteering one or two days a week with non-profit partner agencies and schools. The benefits are three-fold: people in need receive hope and assistance; partner agencies gain qualified help at no cost; and the volunteers deepen their commitment to service and spirituality.
The Ignatians West Madonna Della Strada event is celebrating its 13th year of gathering people for friendship and fundraising. Fr. Randy Roche, SJ, a founding member of the board of Ignatians West, named the event after the first church that St. Ignatius and the early Jesuits obtained to serve the urban poor in the center of Rome. The award honors lives and agencies that reflect the Ignatian values of direct service to the poor and of working and educating for a more just society.
Fr. Mossi is being honored for always enthusiastically answering the call to do a workshop or a retreat for Ignatians West — and sharing his wisdom and faith in a way that touches the volunteers.
“Over the years, it has been an honor to celebrate Mass, facilitate retreats or conduct workshops for Ignatians West members,” said Fr. Mossi, who will be receiving the Madonna Della Strada award. “Ignatians West has impacted the Los Angeles Archdiocese through their various ministries in schools, prisons, hospitals, spiritual direction, St. Vincent de Paul and social works. Their generosity and dedication is a source of inspiration for me.”
In addition to Fr. Mossi, Katherine Enright, director of the office of parish life for the Archdioceses of Los Angeles, will also receive a Madonna Della Strada award. Habitat for Humanity in Los Angles will receive the Randy Roche, SJ, Agency Service award at the event. Each honoree was chosen for their modeling of faith-filled service to others.
Currently there are 52 volunteers and 10 volunteer board members serving with Ignatians West. The awards presentation, which consists of a social, silent auction, dinner and a program will be held on Sunday, November 10, at University Hall on Loyola Marymount University’s campus in Los Angeles from 4-7 pm. Visit www.ignatianswest.org for more information.