Missionary Brother of Charity Chris Magallanes received the Brotherhood Recognition Award at the annual Mass and dinner for Religious Brothers serving in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Cardinal Roger Mahony made the presentation Dec. 7 to Brother Magallanes, who has served in Los Angeles for more than 20 years. With his community, Brother Magallanes "has reached out to the poorest of the poor in downtown Los Angeles by providing food, shelter and care," noted Holy Cross Brother William C. Nick, chairman of the Council of Religious Brothers.

Brother Magallanes also has served in various leadership roles for the missionaries of Charity and for the past five years as delegation servant.

In his homily at the Mass, Cardinal Mahony thanked the brothers for their service to the church of Los Angeles, and encouraged them to continue their witness of Christ's love for the church through their commitment and dedication to religious life.

Some 45 brothers from religious communities serving in Los Angeles attended the event. The Brotherhood Recognition Award is given annually to a brother "who, through the living of his religious life and through his service to the church, gives witness to God's call to religious life," said Brother Nick.