1993
Citation:
Unselfishly dedicated to God, Most Reverend Adam Maida of Detroit has distinguished himself as a charismatic and dynamic leader. A thoughtful and intelligent man, he has earned widespread respect for his published views on sponsorship of Catholic institutions, labor-management perspectives and church finances. His commitment to education is equaled only by his commitment to his faith. He has the unique distinction of holding a bachelor of arts degree in Philosophy from St. Mary’s College in Orchard Lake, a licentiate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome and a doctorate in Civil Law from Duquesne University in Pittsburg. Ordained a priest in 1956 at St. Paul Cathedral in Pittsburg, he served in progressive roles as associate pastor, vice chancellor and general counsel before he was installed as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin. His appointment in 1990 by Pope John Paul II to lead the archdiocese of Detroit represented another important milestone in his ministry. In recognition of his talents, he has been appointed to numerous religious organizations, including Pope John Paul II Cultural Foundation in Rome, Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Trustees and the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Award was presented at the President's Cabiner Twenty-Sixth Annual Awards Dinner, September 17, 1993.