By Anna Weaver | Hawaii Catholic Herald

Catholic Charities Hawaii celebrated its 60th anniversary, installed new board officers, and honored community partners and an outstanding volunteer at its annual meeting Feb. 9 at the Hale Koa Hotel.

As part of the anniversary recognition, Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona presented a proclamation by Gov. Linda Lingle that declared Feb. 9 Catholic Charities Hawaii Day. A week earlier, on Feb. 2, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hanneman also signed a proclamation making Feb. 9 Catholic Charities Hawaii Day.

Also at the lunchtime meeting, a slideshow presentation highlighted the history of Catholic Charities and the pioneering work of the Maryknoll Sisters in running the nonprofit agency. Thirteen Maryknoll sisters were among the 160 guests in attendance.

The newly installed officers of the agency’s board of directors are chairman Rix Maurer III, vice-chairman Les Correa, treasurer Gregg Robertson and secretary Mary Fastenau.

Receiving the 2007 Partners in Mission Award was Resurrection of the Lord Parish in Waipio for its efforts to assist Catholic Charities over the years through service projects and contributions.

Catholic Charities gave its annual Ulu Award to attorney Marianita Lopez in recognition of her volunteer work and leadership as vice chairwoman of the board of directors, chairwoman of the program board, and chairwoman of the former Immigrant Services board.