2016 Joseph Gerard, OMI Award: John & Gee Gee Whitehurst

The 2016 Gerard Award was presented to John and Gee Gee Whitehurst at a Mass and ceremony that included US Oblate Provincial Bill Antone, OMI and Whitehurst friend Archbishop Gustavo Garca-Siller, M.Sp.S. The presentation was made on Saturday, January 23 at the St. Joseph Chapel at the Oblate Renewal Center in San Antonio.

The Gerard Award is given to Partners and others who manifest the qualities that marked the life of the famous Oblate missionary to southern Africa, Blessed Joseph Gerard, OMI. The award itself is an icon of Blessed Gerard and the 2016 icon was created by Oblate artist and iconographer Clyde Rausch, OMI. Qualities recognized include an abiding missionary faith, perseverance in the care of others, and a joyful dedication to the Gospel. John and Gee Gee’s support of the Partnership, several Oblate ministries and particular support for several individual Oblates and other missionary men and women have characterized their lives. Along with their son Michael Whitehurst, John and Gee Gee were among the earliest members of the Partnership. They live in San Antonio.