VILLANOVA, PA — The late Bishop Paride Taban, founder of Holy Trinity Peace Village Kuron in South Sudan, has been posthumously named the 2023 Opus Prize Laureate. The announcement was made by The Opus Prize Foundation and Villanova University at a ceremony on Thursday afternoon.
The annual faith-based humanitarian award, which includes a one-million-dollar prize, recognizes social entrepreneurship that champions faith-filled change. Bishop Taban’s Holy Trinity Peace Village Kuron, a community established to aid those affected by conflict, is the recipient of this year’s award.
Dr. Margaret Itto, deputy chair of the Board for Holy Trinity Peace Village Kuron and State Minister for Health in Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, accepted the award on behalf of the late Bishop.
“Bishop Taban dedicated his life to promoting peace and compassion for those in need, regardless of faith or background,” Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, Villanova University President, said.
Founded in 2005, Holy Trinity Peace Village Kuron focuses on conflict resolution, peacebuilding, agricultural training, education, health services, and food security. The village has become globally recognized for its peacebuilding efforts in the region.
In addition to the $1 million prize, two finalists were awarded $100,000 prizes. The recipients were Kristin Schroeder, MD, MPH, Co-Founder of the International Cancer Care and Research Excellence Foundation (iCCare), and Jameka Walker, Executive Director of Catholic Partnership Schools.
The Opus Prize Foundation partners with a Catholic university each year. As the 2023 host, a committee of Villanovans was responsible for identifying nominees, selecting finalists, planning the awards week on campus, and inspiring others to ignite change in their work and organizations.
Eleven distinguished leaders from the Greater Philadelphia area representing arts, business, non-profit, faith, and civic communities were named to the Opus Prize jury. This group selected the three finalists based on the foundation’s values and principles and this year’s theme, Awakening Restless Hearts.
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