Basilica honors Andy Killiany, Graham Walker and Therese Fry, who embody spirit of St. Therese of Lisieux's 'little way' of love
ROYAL OAK — In the lead-up to the feast of their patroness, St. Therese of Lisieux, on Oct. 1, the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica honored three parishioners with its annual Little Way Award, given to individuals who embody the spirituality and humility of St. Therese in their lives and actions.
The 2024 recipients include Therese Fry, Andy Killiany and Graham Walker. They were each nominated by multiple parishioners to receive the award based on their contributions to the parish and surrounding community. The recipients received engraved plaques to recognize their achievement following the 4:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Paula Dixon, pastoral associate in Christian service at Shrine, told Detroit Catholic the nominations begin in April. Parishioners are invited to write letters to the parish committee, nominating the individual who best embodies St. Therese’s spirituality. This year, there were nine nominations.
“We began the award because (we decided that) we should be honoring people who are pillars of the church who live out the spirituality of St. Therese in a humble way,” Dixon explained. “When we ask for nominations, we point out that St. Therese said what matters in life is not great deeds, but great love.”
The committee prayerfully considers the nominations and looks for people whose service to the church and beyond is done out of great love, Dixon added.
“That is what Archbishop (Allen H. Vigneron) is saying in (his pastoral letter) ‘Unleash the Gospel’: that we are not doing things just to be nice or to be kind, but we are doing them for the love of Christ — this is evangelical charity,” Dixon said.
In prior years, the parish has chosen two recipients — one specifically for their work within the parish community and the second for their service outside of the parish in the surrounding areas. This year, there were three standout nominees, Dixon said.
“The main thread for all three of them is that they do it with humility; it’s not about themselves, it’s about service to people in need, service to the Church, and that was always their vision, their focus in life,” Dixon said. “And knowing these people, it’s true. They do it in such a quiet way. They are not trying to draw attention to themselves. It is an evangelical charity; it really is for the love of God.”
Killiany, a parishioner of 53 years, was recognized for his service in the parish. Over the years, Killiany has served in almost every parish council, committee or volunteer role.
Killiany has served as an usher, treasurer of the usher's clubs, Eucharistic minister, member of the parish council, part of the original liturgical group, a member of the finance committee and the building and ground committee, among many other contributions. In 2000, Killiany was instrumental in coordinating the arrival of St. Therese's relics at the parish.
“I was very happy, very surprised to be able to receive it,” Killiany told Detroit Catholic. “I have done a lot of things at the church, but I am not really looking for any gratuity or anything of that nature."
Walker and Fry were each recognized for their service in the wider community, along with their commitment to parish life, Dixon explained.
“Graham (Walker) is a very humble, quiet person, very much a servant leader — he acts as a servant, but he is also a leader, but the way he leads people is a quiet leadership,” Dixon said.
Walker, a lifelong parishioner, served in the Air Force before working for the State of Michigan in the Department of Corrections for 33 years. Additionally, Walker has served as a member of the parish council, a docent who gives tours, is active in the Knights of Columbus, and is committed to a weekly holy hour.
Although “surprised” by the award, Walker said it will inspire him going forward.
“It will inspire me to keep going and do the things that I currently do and maybe other things as they come up,” Walker said. “It will just keep me motivated and remind me to keep humble as St. Therese was.”
For Fry, the award takes on an even deeper meaning — born, baptized and raised in the parish, she is named for St. Therese and has been devoted to the Little Flower for 76 years.
“My mother belonged to Shrine since 1941, and she vowed that if she had a little girl after having two boys, she would name me after the Little Flower,” Fry said.
Dixon said Fry was recognized for her 32-year career as a neonatal nurse, as well as her involvement with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Fry has also been an usher and a member of the Resurrection choir.
Like the other recipients, Fry was “surprised and humbled” by the award.
“There are so many people so much more deserving than I am, I'm sure,” Fry said. “I am a legacy member at the parish, and the people who have come before, the generation before me, have inspired me. I have been very blessed to have wonderful examples of what it is to be Catholic and what I should be doing as a Catholic.
“I want to thank all the people in my life who have really shown me ‘the little way,’” Fry added. “It doesn’t take great things — little things are just as important.”
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