BRONX, N.Y. — Fordham University honored Archbishop Roberto Gonzalez, OFM, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, earlier this month with its Sapienta et Doctrina Award. Roberto was recognized at an event at the university’s Rose Hill Campus on Oct. 16 that included a reception with international foods and Evening Prayer and a reflection by Jesuit author Fr. James Martin.
Roberto, a native of New Jersey, was honored for his contributions to Hispanic ministry. He was among 12 people honored that evening.
“I felt humbled and honored by the recognition,” Roberto said. “Moreover, I was reminded that there is much more that I should do to be truly worthy of such a recognition that bears the name of my mentor, Fr. Joseph P. Fitzpatrick, SJ.”
The award was given to Roberto, he said, in honor of the founder of Fordham’s Department of Sociology. “He was a great scholar and pastor with a strong commitment to the Puerto Rican community.”
Several friars attended the event including Jerome Massimino, OFM, (left, in photo) guardian and pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church on West 31st Street, and vocation director Brian Smail, OFM, who provided the above photo, where he is to the right of Roberto.