Brewer woman honored with award

BREWER – Cecile Morrill of Brewer was honored recently as the winner of the 2004 Catholic Charities Bishop Amedee Proulx Memorial Award. The statewide award is presented each year to the person who exemplifies extraordinary compassion in and dedication in providing outstanding volunteer service that person’s community.

Anne Gagnon and Michael Shaw of the social justice and peace commission of St. Teresa Parish in Brewer nominated Morrill for the award. In their nomination letter, Gagnon and Shaw wrote, “Only God will ever know all of the lives blessed by the selfless acts of Cecile Morrill.”

Morrill, a mother and grandmother in her 70s, has delivered meals for Meals for ME five days a week for the past seven years. She also brings food and other items to the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter and to area families she knows are struggling financially.

“Whatever the season, wherever there’s work to be done, Cecile can be counted on to do her all,” said Gagnon and Shaw in their nomination. They also cited countless acts of kindness on behalf of neighbors, complete strangers and even dogs.

More than 100 guests, family members and friends recently attended a reception at St. Teresa’s where the Most Rev. Richard Malone presented Morrill with the award, a unique piece of art created by the Rev. Paul Plante of Winslow.

Malone said Morrill “clearly sees the face of Jesus in everyone she serves, and now we can see the face of Jesus in her.”

Congratulatory remarks also were given by Shawn Yardley of the Catholic Charities of Maine board of directors; John Kerry, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities; and the Rev. Joel Cyr, pastor of St. Teresa’s.

Morrill accepted the award in a typically graceful and humble fashion.

“I am stunned and delighted,” she said, “though I am sure there are others more deserving.”

“Cecile Morrill represents the faith and commitment that underlies all we try to do to help those in need at Catholic Charities of Maine,” Kerry said. “Cecile is an inspiration to us all, and Maine is a better place because of selfless people like her.”

Since 1966, Catholic Charities of Maine has dedicated itself to creating, administrating and advocating for programs and services that reach out and meet the critical human service needs of Maine. The organization places a special emphasis on helping those struggling under the burden of poverty. The organization’s staff is professionally trained and has 1,000 volunteers. Last year, the organization provided services to more than 30,000 individuals in Maine.