Clare Dixon honoured in El Salvador

November 28th, 2017El Salvador, CAFOD, Clare Dixon, Jon Sobrino,

Clare Dixon at the ceremony with Jon Sobrino SJ and Columban Fr Eamonn O’Brien

During the Romero Trust pilgrimage to El Salvador, Clare Dixon was awarded the José Simeón Cañas Medal for Extraordinary Merit in recognition of her commitment and work in support of the people, the Church and the Society of Jesus in El Salvador and Central America. The award was made during a special ceremony at the the Jesuit University in El Salvador in recognition of Clare’s commitment and work in support of the people, the Church and the Society of Jesus in El Salvador and Central America. She has been Head of CAFOD’s Latin America programmes for nearly 40 years – and since 2005 she has been Secretary of the Archbishop Romero Trust.

The pilgrimage was organised by Anthony Coles and led by Clare Dixon, Bishop Rawsthorne and Julian Filochowski.

The medal which is a very special distinction was instituted in 1980; and this is only the 21st such medal to be awarded over these years The medal citation states that Clare Dixon was awarded the medal for her:

• Generosity and dedication to the poor throughout Latin America, especially in the countries of Central America, supporting their struggles in defence of human rights and dignity for forty years;

• The solidarity she has shown through the support to numerous initiatives and works of the Society of Jesus in Central America;

• The continued accompaniment to the UCA for more than 30 years and her contribution in favour of the social outreach work of the University, especially in defence of the cause of the martyrs;

• The exemplary faith, hope and love which she has always shown in her work, especially in support of Monseñor Romero throughout his time as Archbishop and latterly in the foundation of the Romero Trust in Great Britain, to make known his life, his work and his legacy.