Catholic Charities of Acadiana CEO Kim Boudreaux awarded rare Papal honor from Pope Francis, highlighting her leadership and the charitable work of Catholic Charities of Acadiana

Catholic Charities of Acadiana CEO Kim Boudreaux has been awarded the Papal honor Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, or "For the Church and Pope," by Pope Francis. This is one of the highest awards bestowed by the Pope on lay women and men, and it is conferred for distinguished service to the Church.

Bishop Douglas Deshotel delivered this award to Kim this week, noting that, "The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice is awarded to anyone who by their daily life, by the work that they're doing, lives the principles of Christian charity and Christian teaching, and who has dedicated their life to that." He told Kim she was receiving this award "because of her work with Catholic Charities and many other works,” commending the whole staff of Catholic Charities of Acadiana.

The last time the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice was awarded in the Diocese of Lafayette was in the 1940's. The recipient was Servant of God Auguste "Nonco" Pelafigue, who is currently a candidate for canonization.

Kim noted that her work could not be made possible without the dedicated staff at CCA who commit themselves every day to serving those in need.

Catholic Charities of Acadiana has served as an organizer of charity for the past 50 years. Catholic Charities of Acadiana cares for the sacred gift of all human life, especially the most vulnerable. Catholic Charities of Acadiana operates several programs that serve those currently experiencing homelessness, hunger, and poverty in Acadiana. Since 1973, its programs have represented a response to the Gospel call to carry out the corporal works of mercy: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, offering hospitality to the homeless, caring for the sick, visiting the imprisoned, and burying the dead.