The Perez family (Rene, Ethel, their daughter Razel and husband Francis Manlunas) was named the 2021-22 Family of the Year Awardee for the Knights of Columbus BC/Yukon State. They were recognized last Saturday, April 23rd at the Knights’ annual convention in Richmond.

The Knights of Columbus Family of the Month/Year program promotes and supports the development of strong and vibrant families by recognizing one parish family that models Christian family values and visibly lives them every day. The Perez’s truly put their faith in action through sharing of their God-given gifts to evangelize and proclaim the Good News of the Gospel. They are living witnesses to Catholic values of love of the Eucharist, devotion to our faith, service to our Church and helping the community.

Long-time members of St. Bernadette Parish, they are in the Sunday Mass choirs plus help in the Filipino Outreach Ministry of the Archdiocese. They have long been involved in leadership in Couples for Christ. Rene & Ethel are Eucharistic Ministers on top of their roles in the RCIA Program, the Charismatic Prayer Group & the Fruit of the Vine Bible Study group. Rene, a Brother Knight, was a key technical partner for live-streaming masses and other multimedia events in the archdiocese.

Razel went to St. Bernadette School and Holy Cross. Razel and Francis both served in their local Youth for Christ and Singles for Christ chapters. Today, both are leaders in Couples for Christ Vancouver. Congratulations to Rene, Ethel, Razel and Francis! May they grow further in their love for one another and continue to strive to follow the blessed model set forth for us by the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

(If you know potential Family of the Month awardees, let the Grand Knight Carlos Matos know. They do not have to belong to the Knights of Columbus – only that they belong to St. Bernadette.)