US Congress fetes two Fil-Ams for earning papal awards

The United States Congress formally feted last week two Filipino-Americans for earning the Papal Benemerenti Award earlier this year.   The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco reported that House Resolution 171 was formally presented on December 23 to honor Titus Versoza and Nellie Hizon.   "Passed on October 10, HR 171 is entitled 'Resolution congratulating and commending Titus Versoza and Nellie Hizon, Filipino-Americans, for receiving the Benemerenti Award conferred by no less than Pope Benedict XVI for their dedicated service in churches in the United States,'" the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.   The Papal Benemerenti Awards were given to Versoza and Hizon for their services to the church and their community.   Versoza was feted for his 17 years of service and leadership as choir director, finance council member and coordinator of several fund raising events for St. Mary Queen of Apostles Parish.   Hizon was cited for helping institute the Simbang Gabi (Midnight Mass) tradition in the Archdiocese of San Francisco since 2006.   The Consulate congratulated Versoza and Hizon anew for being exemplary leaders of the Filipino-American community, "who continue to render selfless dedication in the service to their faith and to the community." - VVP, GMA News