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Couple Welcomes 400 Foster Children, Receives Top Catholic Honor

By Carrie Swearingen

(NUI) - "Everyone has a right to be respected," said Evelyn Messuri while fondly sifting through photos of more than 400 children, most with special needs, whom she and husband, Tony, have fostered over four decades.

"Embracing diversity and acceptance is a way of life in our home."

The Messuris, who make their home in Caldwell, Idaho, are this year's recipients of the Catholic Church's highest honor for missionary work in America. The Lumen Christi award - Light of Christ in Latin - is presented annually by Catholic Extension, the organization that distributes more than $16 million each year to missionary efforts in poor Catholic dioceses throughout the United States and its territories.

Nominations, made by U.S. bishops, are judged by a prestigious panel of humanitarians including radio legend Wally Phillips, select bishops and actress Catherine Hicks of TV's "7th Heaven."

The Messuris' life-long ministry was sparked by the birth of their daughter, Mary Elizabeth, who was diagnosed as severely brain damaged in her infancy more than 40 years ago. After finding no resources for families with special needs children in Idaho, the Messuris reactivated the Association for Retarded Citizens and opened the Meri-Lyn School for Multiple Handicapped Children. The school ran for six years before local officials realized the potential of the students and eventually incorporated them into the public school system.

Together, Tony and Evelyn became nationally known advocates for children with special needs, testified at court hearings on behalf of special needs children, and helped other communities organize schools for the handicapped. After becoming licensed foster care parents in 1968, the Messuris eventually welcomed more than 400 children into their home.

"We've tempered each other," said Tony Messuri of wife Evelyn, with whom he raised 10 children. "We've supported each other all the way, and we thank our children for being understanding because the foster kids took a lot of time!"

Catholic Extension further honored the Messuris with a gift of $10,000; nominating Bishop Michael P. Driscoll receives $25,000 for his and the Messuris' Diocese of Boise.