The Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality of Fairfield University is pleased to announce that Rev. Charles H. Allen, S.J., will be presented with the Rev. James M. Bowler, S.J., Award and honored at a 12:30 p.m. outdoor Mass and luncheon on Sunday, September 19, 2021. Registration for this benefit event will be open until the RSVP date of Aug. 9.

The James M. Bowler, S.J., Award is named after the founder of the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality. Fr. Bowler was the inaugural recipient of the award, which since 2018 has been bestowed annually upon a person whose lifetime of service exemplifies the spirit of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

After a lengthy postponement due to the pandemic, both the 12:30 p.m. Mass and celebratory luncheon in honor of Fr. Charlie Allen on Sunday, Sept. 19 will take place beneath a tent on Bellarmine Lawn, rain or shine.

Fr. Allen graced our campus with his wit and wisdom for more than 40 years — serving as headmaster of Fairfield Prep from 1985 to 1998, and most recently at Fairfield University as special assistant to the President and University chaplain. In addition to his many involvements on campus, he was a spiritual mentor and friend to a host of non-profit and civic organizations throughout Fairfield County, most notably in his role as chaplain of the Town of Fairfield’s Emergency Services. His sense of humor and personal warmth has left an indelible mark on the life and spirit of Fairfield’s campus and the surrounding community.

Upon announcing his retirement in the spring of 2020, a coronavirus-era car parade of more than 600 festively decorated vehicles, filled with sign-waving well-wishers, wound its way through campus to bid Fr. Allen farewell before his move to Campion Center in Weston, Massachusetts. The upcoming celebration on Sept. 19 will mark Fr. Charlie’s first return to his Fairfield home since his heartfelt retirement send-off.

To view the invitation and register to attend the Sept. 19 outdoor Mass and benefit luncheon, and/or to submit a journal ad in honor of Fr. Charlie, please RSVP at fairfield.edu/2021allenlunch.

Event proceeds will benefit the mission of the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality of Fairfield University, funding the establishment of the Charles H. Allen, S.J., Murphy Center Program Initiative to create and support spiritual opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to deepen their relationship with God and each other. Initiatives include weekend retreats, days or evenings of reflection, and faith sharing groups. To learn more, visit fairfield.edu/mcis, call 203-254-4000, ext. 3468 or email mcis@fairfield.edu.