Our very own, Fr. Keith A. Mathur, Chancellor for the Diocese of Allentown, won the 2025 Ave Maria Award for Distinguished Religious Service at Notre Dame High School’s derby-themed gala!
Women in feathered headpieces and men in sharp suits applauded as Bishop Schlert, himself an alumnus of Notre Dame in the class of 1979, offered a blessing to kick off the awards ceremony. He also introduced Father Mathur by sharing the Chancellor’s many achievements, including his service as Director of the Office for Divine Worship, Episcopal Master of Ceremonies, and Secretary for the Council of Priests, among several other roles.
Before Father Mathur could accept his award, however, two of his classmates from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Father Eugene Ritz and Father Allen Hoffa, got up to offer some playful words of congratulations.
In addition to anecdotes about their time in the Seminary, the two priests gave sincere words of admiration for Father Mathur.
“I am lucky to call him a classmate,” said Father Ritz, “but I am more blessed to call him a brother priest.”
“I learned way back in Ancient Greek class that it is a good thing to follow him,” Father Hoffa shared, speaking to Father Mathur’s intellect and zeal for details. “Thank you, Notre Dame community, for forming Father Mathur.”
When Father Mathur did accept his award, he expressed gratitude to Notre Dame for his formation and to his mother who made sacrifices so he could have a Catholic education.
“I love Notre Dame,” he said. “It is where my vocation to the priesthood first took seed.”
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