- The Record Archives
- Volume CXVII, No. XVII - October 21, 2004 - news
Annual Dignitas Humana award presented at St. John's abbey
Editorial staff
Mass genocide occurs in a far off east-central African nation. More than 800,000 people are killed.
One American man, Rev. Carl Wilkens, remained and helped while others from many other nations fled. The School of Theology awarded Wilkens with the seventh annual Dignitas Humana Award at Monday in St. John's Abbey Church.
In 1994, Wilkens chose to stay in Rwanda during the mass genocide of the Tutsi people.
Many troops pulled out of the country and escorts were brought in to bring people who were visiting, working and living in Rwanda, including his family, to safety in their home country. However, Wilkens remained in the country to help save the lives of innocent people who were being massacred by an extremist group that overthrew the government.
"He is amazing, I do not think I would have all that courage to leave my family and be by myself," said CSB first-year Emily Sandberg.
Several hundred students, faculty and staff of CSB/SJU and other residents in the area gathered in St. John's Abbey to recognize the awarding of the 2004 Dignitas Humana Award, hear Wilken's story and show appreciation for his efforts.
The presentation began with a hymn, "Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service," led by organist Christopher Stroh. Then the dean of the School of Theology, William Cahoy, and SJU President Br. Dietrich Reinhart introduced Wilkens with reflection of the deeds Wilkens performed in Rwanda in 1994 and how we can gain inspiration from these actions.
The award was then awarded to Wilkens by Abbot John Klassen, Cahoy and Reinhart.
The floor was then handed over to Wilkens and he told the stories and the reasoning behind the action he took in Rwanda.
He opened with his inspiration, which is God. Wilkens said that he believes God's work and strength allowed for him to perform the generous acts in Rwanda.
Wilkens is grateful for the guidance God has given him and he strives to not be boastful of his wisdom, strength and actions, but be boastful of the works of Jesus and God.
"He seemed almost as moved as everyone else did," said SJU first-year Jed Anderson.
He then extended thanks to the community for their inspiration and generosity and believes the inspiration between God's people within this community is very beneficial.
Wilkens then shared numerous stories about the people he worked with in Rwanda, how they were of help to him and his efforts and where they stand now.
"I thought it was amazing he stayed when everyone else left," said CSB first-year Amanda Yaritz.
He also expressed his appreciation for this award and how contributions from it can be used to help some of these people and others in need in Rwanda.
He ended his lecture with the impact his wife has played in his life and how she has been great support for him in their marriage.
His wife then played a piece on the piano, something that Wilkens enjoys very much at home.
Wilkens then closed with a prayer.
"It was very moving. When he came into our class he was much more up-beat, but tonight he was more serious," said SJU first-year Casey Cronk. "He is a great guy."
The presentation and lecture was followed by a reception in the Great Hall.