Claretian Brother Rene B. Lepage, co-director of the Claretian Renewal Center in Los Angeles, received the Brotherhood Recognition Award from the archdiocesan Council of Religious Brothers at the council's annual dinner Dec. 11.

Brother Lepage, a Claretian missionary for 47 years, has served in the Philippines, Cameroon and Nigeria. The treasurer and consultor for the Missionaries' U.S. Western Province, his service to the Archdiocese has covered 25 years, most of them at the Claretian Renewal Center.

The Brotherhood Recognition Award --- established by the Council of Religious Brothers with the support of Cardinal Roger Mahony --- 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.

"Brother Rene Lepage is a quiet, sincere and deeply spiritual man who speaks volumes through his actions and kindness," said Holy Cross Brother William Nick, council chairman. "Rene is a man of prayer devoted to the Eucharist and our Blessed Mother. Through his life commitment as a religious Brother, he has provided and continues to provide great service to the Church in Los Angeles and to the Claretian Missionaries."

Organized by the Council of Religious Brothers and sponsored by Cardinal Mahony, the Brothers' annual Mass and dinner brought together 40 Brothers from religious communities serving the Church in Los Angeles. This annual "Brothers Recognition" event recognizes the vocation and service of Brothers within the archdiocese.

In his homily and in remarks at the dinner, Msgr. Craig Cox, Vicar for Clergy, thanked Brother Rene and the Claretian Missionaries for their commitment and service to the Church in Los Angeles. He encouraged them to continue their witness of Christ's love for the Church, especially through the Claretian Renewal Center.