UTICA, NY -- Elizabeth "Betty" Frank, OFS, of St. Joseph Fraternity in Utica has been awarded the Franciscan Peace Award by the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Region of the Secular Franciscan Order (Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis).

"Our national theme is to 'Be a Bridge -- Accept All People As a Gift of God'," Mary Stronach, OFS, the U.S. international councilor, noted during an awards ceremony at St. Joseph-St. Patrick Parish Center Sunday (Oct. 27). "Betty Frank is that bridge."

Stronach, representing Regional Minister Kim Marks, OFS, said Frank was a "mover and shaker for the order and the church." She listed several accomplishments:

-- co-founder of the 24-hour Adoration Chapel st St. Joseph-St. Patrick Church.

-- active supporter for Mother Marianne's Cope's sainthood, including forming the Mother Marianne Prayer Group and helping to establish Utica's Mother Marianne Shrine.

-- recipient of the Pontifical Cross, "Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice," the highest honor the pope can bestow on a lay person.

-- "professed Secular Franciscan for 64 years, promoting peace and justice."