The annual "Brothers Recognition" event, recognizing the vocation and service of Brothers within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, was held Jan. 21, with 30 Brothers from religious communities serving the local Church gathered to celebrate Mass and dinner.

The annual event, organized by the Council of Religious Brothers and sponsored by Cardinal Roger Mahony, included presentation of the Brotherhood Recognition Award, established by the Council with the support of Cardinal Mahony. It 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 Holy Cross Brother William C. Nick, Council chairman.

This year the Brothers Recognition Award was presented to Franciscan Brother Thomas Fahy, currently principal of Chaminade College Preparatory High School in West Hills. A member of the Franciscan Brothers of Ireland, Brother Fahy has served the archdiocese 30 years in both education and administrative services: teacher at St. Bonaventure High School, Ventura; principal at Bishop Montgomery High School, Torrance; and archdiocesan Secretariat Director for Administrative Services.

In his homily and in remarks at the dinner, Cardinal Mahony thanked Brother Fahy and the Franciscan Brothers for their commitment and service to the Church in Los Angeles. He also thanked all Religious Brothers living and ministering in the Archdiocese and encouraged them to continue their witness of Christ's love for the Church and to joyfully share their vocation with the laity to help promote vocations.