Stewardship

Evan Adams, a 17-year-old senior at Vandebilt Catholic High in Houma, was the recent recipient of Roman’s Quiet Virtue Award – an award established through the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana to honor the life and legacy of Roman Robichaux. The Robichaux family established this award to honor students who exemplify great virtue and humility within our diocese in memory of their late son. Roman’s short life was a testament of great faith and virtue that has continued to inspire many even after his passing.
 
In partnering with the Catholic Foundation, the Robichaux family now has the opportunity to support other young people in our diocese who live like Roman did in their pursuit of holiness and excellence. Evan was one of the first recipients of the award in May of this year.
 
Evan, was nominated by the faculty and staff at Vandebilt Catholic High where he is an honors student, a member of the band, and involved in campus ministry. “Just being recognized was such an honor,” Evan reflected. “I didn’t realize that I had been seen in the way that I had. I always thought I was just in the background.”
 
But Evan’s teachers did, in fact, take notice of the way in which he lived his faith each and every day. They even went so far as to describe Evan as “a genuine, service-oriented individual.” Many of them mention Evan’s commitment to the band and campus ministry, as well as his love for altar serving. “I first started altar serving through school,” Evan shared, “and being able to serve…being able to be up there and see what the priest sees, it deepens the experience of the Mass. Everything means something.”
 
While Evan did not know Roman personally, the two were in the same class of students at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School. “Roman was an all-around good person,” Evan recalled, “I know he always wore a scapular and prayed his rosary every day. Since receiving the award, I’ve had a lot of contact with the Robichaux family and have really appreciated getting to know them.”
 
Receiving the award meant so much to Evan, not only because of the financial support it provided toward his Catholic education, but especially because this was the first time the award would be distributed since Roman’s passing. “I really didn’t expect to be chosen,” said Evan. “It goes to show that even things done unseen are eventually seen. Even little actions eventually come to light. It’s reassuring.”
 
Roman’s Quiet Virtue Award is one of countless ways that our community is empowered to give by partnering with the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana. Since its beginning, the foundation has existed to support the people in our diocese and to equip those who have a desire to give with the tools necessary to make a great impact. “Giving to the Catholic Foundation supports everyone, all the Catholics in the area,” Evan shared. “Not just the higher class and not just the poorest of the poor, they exist to support everyone and the entire staff is so kind and caring.”
 
This particular award has made an incredible impact in Evan’s life and the life of his family. “I would not be where I am in my faith had I not received a Catholic education, and the award took a lot of the weight from my parents’ shoulders and that means a lot to me,” Evan shared. “So, thank you to the Robichaux’s for making me a part of your family and being there for me when we really needed the help and inviting me to do things that I never expected. And thank you to Amy and the Catholic Foundation for being an avenue for people to give to those who need it most. I’m so grateful.”
 
As Jesus taught in the Gospel of Matthew, “Your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:4). Roman’s Quiet Virtue Award is a great reminder that small acts of faith never go unnoticed. Through the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana, in partnership with the Robichaux family, our community can expand the impact of these small actions, creating opportunities that transform the lives of others. If you’re interested in discovering how you can bless the next recipient of this award or partner with the Catholic Foundation, be sure to visit https://www.catholicfoundationsl.org/.