Libreria Del Pueblo is a San Bernardino-based organization that provides social, health, immigration and citizenship services to immigrant families in an effort to better help them transition into American society.
Before Bishop Barnes was honored with the Legacy of Exemplary Service Award at the dinner, Master of Ceremonies Martin Valdez specifically referenced the Bishop’s leadership last year when the busloads of Central American women and children came to California, touching off emotional debates on immigration. The Diocese made headlines nationally when it sheltered a group of 46 migrants at a former convent at St. Joseph Parish in Fontana.
“Bishop Barnes stood up and said ‘we will take them. These parishes will respond,’ ” Valdez said. “His commitment to our community is enormous.”
Introduced by San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre, Bishop Barnes noted in his acceptance speech that while some are honored for their work in bettering the community, all are called to participate in the building of God’s kingdom.
“People who are devoted, committed men and women of faith, together we can change the world,” Bishop Barnes said in accepting the award. “We have to begin with ourselves.”
Also honored with the Legacy of Exemplary Service Award was Father Michael Barry, founder of Mary’s Table in San Bernardino. He spoke of the improbable beginnings of his ministry to the poor and to women in crisis, punctuating his story at times with the phrase “it’s never this, it’s always that.” Barry began Mary’s Table in 1987 with the modest goal that he could provide food for the poor for a month. Today, the ministry has expanded to include Mary’s Mercy Center, Veronica’s Home of Mercy and Veronica’s Home of Mercy II (for women in crisis). He is currently raising money to build a men’s shelter.
Like Bishop Barnes, Fr. Barry deflected credit for the ministry in his acceptance speech saying “It’s not just one individual. It can’t be. It’s God’s work.”
As if to prove his point, two women directly connected to the ministry started by Fr. Barry also received Libreria Del Pueblo’s Legacy of Exemplary Service Award at the dinner. Marsha Olguin, director of Mary’s Table for the past 18 years, was honored, as was Debra Olguin, director of Veronica’s Home of Mercy for the past 19 years.
Attorney Eloise Gomez Reyes was honored with the Exemplary Service Award for many decades of providing volunteer legal assistance to the immigrant community. Reyes, a parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Riverside, is also active in other social justice issues in the region.
Christina Milian was honored posthumously for 30 years of community work with organizations such as the Assistance League of San Bernardino, Les Confreres Auxiliary, Santa Claus Inc. and Inland Women Fighting Cancer. She was called home to God in May after a seven year battle with cancer.