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The Italian Catholic Federation named Nick Jordan, Founder and CEO of Wells of Life, as the 50th recipient of their Pope Saint John XXIII humanitarian award. Wells of Life is a Christian nonprofit organization that provides access to clean, sustainable water for the poorest communities in Uganda, Africa. The Italian Catholic Federation created The Pope Saint John XXIII Award as their highest recognition to a lay person of any denomination who exemplifies humanitarian service to society. Initiated in 1970, 2020 commemorates the award’s 50th year.
"No human being should ever be deprived of these elements and I applaud Nick’s extraordinary efforts to save lives and provide greater opportunities to Uganda’s poorest communities." - Perry Shurko, Nominator
Pope John XXIII was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 1958 to his death in 1963. From humble beginnings, Pope John XXIII is considered one of the church’s most influential leaders who ushered in Vatican II and changed the face of the Catholic Church throughout the world.
Past winners include the late comedian, Danny Thomas (St. Jude’s Hospital), Congressman Frank Annunzio, Dick Butkus (NFL Hall of Famer), Karl Karcher (Carl’s Jr. Founder), Bruno Serato (The White House Restaurant) and actor Joseph Campanella.
“Water is essential to life and a primary component of Life’s Holy Trinity - Air, Food and Water, the three basics of life on earth,” said Perry Shurko, the Italian Catholic Federation member who nominated Jordan for the award. “No human being should ever be deprived of these elements and I applaud Nick’s extraordinary efforts to save lives and provide greater opportunities to Uganda’s poorest communities.”
The Italian Catholic Federation is a nonprofit fraternal organization for practicing Catholics of all ages and cultures. Founded in 1924, the federation’s mission is to uphold and develop the religious spirit among its members and to spread that spirit throughout the community.