The Pro-Life Gold ACE Wings is the highest individual award that the Virginia State Council presents to a Knight whose constant and fearless love for the preborn has helped babies to live and Pro-Life ministries to thrive. Pro-Life Gold ACE Wings are earned by Knights who have been recognized for their outstanding Pro-Life efforts year in and year out, and can only be earned once. These are presented at the Virginia State Council Annual Meeting and State Convention.
Past Awardees
Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop, Diocese of Arlington
Awarded: January 2020
Bishop Paul S. Loverde was installed as the third bishop of Arlington in March, 1999. Nine days later, on Holy Saturday, Bishop Loverde began leading us in praying the Rosary outside local abortion facilities. From the beginning of his time as our diocesan shepherd, Bishop Loverde has preached a boldly pro-life message through his actions, prayers, and teachings. Bishop Loverde began serving the Virginia State Council as State Chaplain in 2008, again regularly calling Virginia Knights of Columbus to stand up for life. Regular Respect Life Masses in parishes around the Diocese, followed by peaceful prayer outside local abortion facilities, have continued throughout Bishop Loverde’s time as our shepherd and his time as our State Chaplain. For his continued leadership on the pro-life issue and for his guidance on bringing the Pro-Life ACE Wings program to the Virginia State Council, Bishop Loverde is presented the inaugural Pro-Life Gold ACE Wings Award.
Ms. Jeanne F. Mancini, President, March for Life Education and Defense Fund
Awarded: January 2020
Ms. Jeanne F. Mancini was elected to the board of directors of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund in 2012. A few months later in the fall of 2012, following the sudden and
unexpected June 24 death of Nellie Gray, founder of the March for Life, Jeanne was appointed president with the immediate mission to host the January 2013 March for Life.
Over the next seven years, Jeanne’s leadership has grown the March for Life from a one-day per year event to a year-round force for life in Washington, DC. In addition to planning and hosting the largest annual civil rights peaceful protest each January, Jeanne brings the pro-life message to Congress, to public media, and to thousands each year through her speaking engagements and writings. Jeanne has made it her personal mission and that of the March for Life to promote the beauty and dignity of every human life by working to end abortion—uniting, educating, and mobilizing pro-life people in the public square.
Before coming to the March for Life, Jeanne worked with the Family Research Council (FRC),
where she focused on issues related to the inherent dignity of the human person, including abortion, women’s health, and end-of-life issues. For her continued leadership to unite, educate, and mobilize pro-life people in the public square and inspire the pro-life activity of the Virginia State Council Knights of Columbus, Jeanne F. Mancini is presented the Pro-Life Gold ACE Wings Award.
