Kansas farming couple receives top rural life award

Published: 2006-11-13

LARNED, Kan. (CNS) -- Farmers Tom and Sheryl Giessel of Larned were awarded the Isidore and Maria Award Nov. 11 at the National Catholic Rural Life Conference's annual meeting in Overland Park. According to Holy Cross Brother David Andrews, executive director of the rural life conference, the annual award honors rural couples "who exemplify fidelity to a dream, to a vocation and a love which combines family, integrity, stewardship and religion." In a letter, Brother Andrews wrote, "Since I've met you, I've been impressed with your dedication to rural life, to family values, to holding up a set of ethical concerns. ... To our mind, you and your wife promote these values and share this commitment." "This was really a surprise and an honor," Sheryl Giessel said in an interview at their Larned home before the award presentation. "The award honors the couple," Tom Giessel added. "That's what means a lot to me. ... The term 'family farmer' is singular, but in reality it is plural. A family farmer draws freely on the energies and spirit of a spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, son or daughter, and at times, friends, neighbors and a community."

Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .