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Archdiocese of Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Robert G. Casey to Receive the 2019 Br. Denis Murphy Justice in Action Award from the Br. David Darst Center on March 2, 2019

Given annually, the award recognizes an individual, organization, or foundation with a strong dedication to social justice and community service

Chicago, IL (Feb. 27, 2019) – Archdiocese of Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Robert G. Casey will receive the 2019 Br. Denis Murphy Justice in Action Award from the Br. David Darst Center at the organization’s annual “A Night at the Races” event, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at De La Salle Institute, 3434 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago.  Given annually, this award recognizes an individual, organization, or foundation with a strong dedication to social justice and community service.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this award,” said Casey. “I’ve been blessed to have had extraordinary mentors early in my vocation who formed and influenced my social justice work and have been fortunate to be in diverse communities with wonderful people who have a shared desire to transform and support our brothers and sisters, especially those in need.”

Casey’s fervent commitment to Catholic social teaching has taken many forms over his years as a parish priest, pastor and now auxiliary bishop in Chicago. As pastor of Our Lady of Tepeyac Parish, Casey co-founded Taller de Jose, a sponsored ministry of the Congregation of St. Joseph that connects people to services. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Taller de Jose serves more than 1,000 individuals annually in collaboration with 150 partner organizations, which include the Darst Center. Together, both groups provide transformative urban immersion experiences and educational programs for young people.

Last September, Casey was ordained auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago and assigned to Vicariate III, an area of Chicago that includes Taller de Jose and the Darst Center. Casey’s service for marginalized communities is also now reflected in his role as a member of the Priest Steering Committee for Renew My Church, the archdiocese’s effort to create more vibrant faith communities.

About the Award

One of the co-founders and first directors of the Br. David Darst Center, Br. Denis Murphy, FSC, was an exceptional individual who strove relentlessly to create a more just society. Seeing the need to ground social action in faith and the teachings of Jesus, he envisioned the Darst Center as a Lasallian social justice ministry designed to educate young people on the burning issues of our time in the context of Gospel values. 

The Br. Denis Murphy Justice in Action Award brings recognition and appreciation to its recipients because of their significant contribution to the promotion of education, social justice, social inclusion, and/or community development.