Yesterday evening, Cardinal Bertone was the recipient of the Gaudium et Spes award from the Knights of Columbus. The award is given only infrequently and with it the prelate joins the ranks of the likes of Mother Teresa, Cardinal John O’Connor, and Jean Vanier, the founder of L’Arche.

In receiving the award, Bertone spoke about his position as Secretary of State and how it requires that he apply the Second Vatican Council document to his work. “The Church aims solely to carry on the work of Christ who enters into the world…We are called to serve and not to be served.”

He also noted that, “among the previous recipients are two apostles of charity, Mother Teresa and Jean Vanier.” In living out our faith, we must be rooted in prayer and have our hearts moved with Christ’s love (Deus Caritas Est) as they do.