UPPER EAST SIDE — Mario J. Paredes, the chief executive officer of SOMOS Community Care, the network of health care providers servicing immigrant communities, including in the Diocese of Brooklyn, received the Catholic Extension Society’s Spirit of Francis Award at its 11th annual New York Award Dinner at the Metropolitan Club on the Upper East Side on Oct. 23.
The Spirit of St. Francis Award, presented by Father Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension, and Cardinal Seán O’Malley, recognizes individuals whose service or philanthropy has significantly advanced the Catholic Church’s mission in America, particularly by reaching “the margins of society.”
Paredes, a Chilean-born naturalized U.S. citizen, has spent over two decades in healthcare, business, and philanthropy.
He is a founder of the Catholic Association of Latino Leadership and president of the International Academy of Catholic Leaders.
Since 2015, Paredes has led SOMOS, a network comprising over 2,500 primary care providers. Under his direction, the organization has secured more than $700 million in state grants to reform the Medicaid system and played a significant role in coordinating the COVID-19 pandemic response with New York State and city health authorities, according to Catholic Extension officials.
Paredes previously served as an advisor to Cardinal John O’Connor, when he was archbishop of New York, and consulted for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Justice and Peace Commission and the Vatican Commission for Latin America.
In 2012, the Holy See awarded him the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, one of the highest honors the Catholic Church gives to a layperson.
The organization he runs, SOMOS (Spanish for “we are”), serves more than 850,000 Medicaid and Medicare recipients in immigrant communities across New York.
Cardinal O’Malley praised Paredes, saying, “There is no other layman in the United States who has made the kinds of contributions to the ministry to our immigrants than Mario Paredes.”
Father Wall added, “The late Pope Francis was a vocal and tireless advocate for the marginalized. Mario’s extensive efforts as an inspirational leader demonstrate similar devotion, safeguarding the health and well-being of countless families in need.”
The Spirit of Francis Award is named after three men — St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis, and Father Francis Clement Kelley, the founder of Catholic Extension.
In his acceptance speech, Paredes expressed his gratitude and stated that he would use the award as an impetus to continue his efforts.
“I receive it as an assignment of a commitment to continue the vow in my life and my best efforts to the sowing of the good news of Jesus Christ,” he said.