CSF December 2022: Local News

St. Thomas More Society honors former Catholic Charities CEO

BY MARY POWERS

Assistant Director of Communications and Media Relations. Office of Communications, Archdiocese of San Francisco

The St. Thomas More Society gathered at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in North Beach for its annual Red Mass on Oct. 20, celebrated by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, and also honored the 2022 St. Thomas More award recipient, Jilma Meneses. Held at the opening of each court year, the Red Mass seeks blessing, guidance, and inspiration for those involved in the legal and justice systems, and for all who seek justice.

In his homily, Father Roger Gustafson, the St. Thomas More Society’s chaplain, encouraged the faithful in their work within the legal system, bringing the light of hope and justice to those who need it most.

The St. Thomas More awardee has answered this call from Christ. Jilma Meneses has lived a life of service from assisting with missions in Latin America, to helping young women and children in orphanages and schools in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Most recently, Meneses led Catholic Charities of

Francisco as its CEO and now serves as the Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services for the State of Washington. ■