Porto Charities, a nonprofit that supports persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, honored advocacy award winners at a Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and a reception June 24. Beth Cucinotta, Jack Masri, Holy Spirit School in Annandale and Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Vienna were recognized.
“Porto Charities has chosen a wonderful theme for the gala that will follow tonight’s Mass: ‘Embrace,’ ” said Bishop Burbidge in the homily. “In imitation of Jesus, we must embrace all persons, uphold the dignity that is theirs as children of God, and extend compassion and assistance to those who need us the most, including our brothers and sisters with physical, intellectual and emotional disabilities. We must embrace anew our goal of providing education and employment for all people. We must embrace one another and support and encourage those who are carrying burdens and crosses. We must embrace the faith we profess and the values and virtues we hold dear. In other words, we must embrace the Gospel of Life.”
Cucinotta, director of learning and resource at St. Louis School in Alexandria, won the 2023 St. Margaret Castello Award for Outstanding Educator. Masri, a graduating senior at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, won the 2023 St. Timothy Award for Outstanding Peer Mentor. Holy Spirit School was awarded the 2023 St. John Paul the Great Award for Outstanding Parish/School and Our Lady of Good Counsel School and Parish was awarded the 2023 Bishop Michael Burbidge Award for Outstanding Employer.
Porto Charities honored the four diocesan high schools — Bishop O’Connell, Bishop Ireton in Alexandria, Saint John Paul the Great in Potomac Shores and St. Paul VI Catholic in Chantilly — with the Porto Charities Inclusion Catalyst Awards for their leadership in inclusive education and meaningful employment.
