Started in 1986, the Pro Fidelitate et Virtue Award is conferred each year at the Institute on Religious Life’s National Meeting to someone who has been outstanding in the support and promotion of authentic religious life. Father Edmund McCaffrey was born on January 9, 1933. He was the former Abbot Ordinary of the Benedictine monastery, Belmont Abbey in Charlotte, N.C. Fr. Edmund was well known as a Political Scientist, a Scholar, Writer, Lecturer, Retreat Master, Educator, Defender of the Faith, Promoter of Devotion to the Angels, a strong exponent of Marian devotion and extraordinary defender of the sacredness of human life. Possessing the gift of a remarkably strong and vibrant voice, and a matching personality, Father Edmund would immediately cause an audience to sit up and take notice when he begins to speak. But his booming presentation was matched and exceeded by his eloquence in teaching the faith. His love for his heavenly Mother was beautiful and eye opening to the great gift that she is to us from God. His devotion to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist enlightens all to a deeper love and devotion to the Real, True, Eucharistic Presence of Jesus Christ; Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Fr. Edmund passed into eternal life on November 13, 2016. Today, we will be listening to a homily Fr Edmund gave at the 2009 National Meeting. Thank you for listening! May God bless you and enjoy!