Mary Ann Glendon, Harvard Law School professor and former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See who served in various roles under three popes, received the Gaudium et Spes Award from the Knights of Columbus at their 143rd Supreme Convention on Aug. 5.

The Gaudium et Spes Award is the highest honor the Knights can bestow upon an individual. It is given to someone who has spent their life advancing the mission of the Catholic Church.

"Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon is a true gift to the universal church and to the church here in Massachusetts. Her scholarship and leadership in defense of human dignity and human rights have proven extraordinarily impactful," Archbishop Richard Henning, who attended the Supreme Convention and was present to witness Glendon receive the award, told The Pilot.

"In addition to her many accomplishments, I am so grateful for her personal witness of faith and integrity and her dedicated service to three popes. I commend the Knights of Columbus for recognizing the contributions of Mary Ann Glendon by conferring the Gaudium et Spes Award," the archbishop said.

In a video celebrating Glendon's award, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly said Glendon "has courageously defended human dignity and the rights of the vulnerable."

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