Ana María Pineda, RSM awarded the Peter Hinde CRISPAZ Peace Award
On Wednesday, October 15, CRISPAZ (Christians for Peace in El Salvador) hosted its annual Peter Hinde CRISPAZ Peace Award ceremony at Santa Clara University, drawing a full capacity of supporters, community members, family and friends to honor this year’s recipient, Dr. Ana María Pineda, RSM. Inspired by the testimony of the Martyrs of El Salvador, CRISPAZ established the Peace Award in 2009 to recognize individuals or organizations that embody the preferential option for the poor in their work for the promotion of peace and social justice. The event was a heartfelt gathering that celebrated Ana María’s lifelong dedication to the ministry, to the Latino/a community, and her ongoing efforts to preserve the memory and legacy of the Martyrs of El Salvador.
“Lulu” Santana, Ventura County Jail Chaplain, former Director of Campus Ministry at Santa Clara University, and a close friend of Ana Maria’s, remarked poignantly, "How should I introduce you, Ana María, as Doctor, profesora, theologian, pastoral minister, Sister of Mercy, mentor, friend, comadre?" This beautifully highlights the numerous roles and relationships Ana María has nurtured throughout her life. It is through her cultivation of bridges of solidarity, accompaniment, and peace, whether on a national scale or through one-on-one conversations, that she has inspired us all to gather in her honor tonight.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Ana María expressed her deep gratitude: “I thank CRISPAZ for the honor of receiving this award. Being born in El Salvador is at the core of who I am. I am blessed by everyone here celebrating the mission and good work carried out by CRISPAZ over the decades. I call on each of us to commit ourselves to justice, peace, and reconciliation, values I know we all share. Our actions today are more urgent than ever. Let us stand with our immigrant sisters and brothers so they can enjoy the fullness of life and dignity, just as many of us have.”
The atmosphere was filled with warmth, admiration, and a powerful sense of community. The evening was an inspiring testament to faith in action.
Francisco Mena, CRISPAZ Executive Director, Ana Maria Pineda, RSM