CDU honors the Basilica of Saint Mary at their annual gala

Catholic Distance University honored the Basilica of Saint Mary during their annual on November 3rd. The Basilica received the Bishop Thomas J. Welsh Award.

“The award is given in gratitude for the continuing support by the Very Reverend Edward C. Hathaway and the Basilica parish community,” says Annie Hager, CDU’s Director of Institutional Advancement.

“The Basilica of Saint Mary is humbled and honored to receive this recognition from Catholic Distance University, a pioneering Catholic distance learning institution with deep roots in the Diocese of Arlington,” says Fr. Hathaway, the Basilica’s Rector.

“CDU is an amazing resource for the new evangelization for anyone seeking a firmer foundation in the Roman Catholic faith,” adds Fr. Hathaway. “As a pastor, I am so grateful for the solid teaching of our faith made so accessible to parents, catechists and religious education leaders wherever they might live and whatever their schedules might be.”

This was the second time that CDU honored the parish. Saint Mary received the same award in 2013.

Catholic Distance University is celebrating their 35th anniversary. CDU was founded in 1983 as the first catechetical institute in the United States to award the Catechetical Diploma and teach the Catholic faith to adults using distance education.

“CDU’s mission supports the education of leaders for the growth of faith, ecclesial service and the New Evangelization,” says Hager.