Father Guillermo Trevino Jr. had another first in his career as a Catholic priest.
Last Friday, Trevino traveled to Des Moines to receive the state’s Blessed Father McGivney Award at the Knights of Columbus state convention.
“It’s humbling,” Guillermo said. “The Knights of Columbus do a lot of charity. Before I was even super religious I remember the Knights.”
As a child Trevino would see Knights of Columbus members outside of Walmart doing donation drives for children with disabilities, he added.
When Trevino came to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in West Liberty, he also was assigned to Regina Catholic School in Iowa City and St. Joseph Church in Columbus Junction so they changed their schedule to accommodate his, he added.
“That was very kind of them,” Trevino added.
The application for the award was one page.
“It is given to a Knights of Columbus chaplain who is a “devoted parish priest, an exemplar of Christian charity, a builder of Catholic fraternity and a role model to his parish,” said Aaron Campbell, a member of the Knights of Columbus chapter in West Liberty. “With this in mind, it was the opinion of our council and others that Father Guillermo is a great example of all these necessary qualifications.”
Trevino is always available for his parishes, Campbell said. He bridges the cultural barriers between the English and Spanish communities, teaches religious classes to confirmation students, has worked with the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Escucha Mi Voz, the West Liberty Ministerial Association and several other organizations Campbell listed.
“These charitable works are consistent with the pillars of the Knights of Columbus and are the primary basis for the implementation of the Blessed Father McGivney Award,” Campbell added.
Without the support from everyone in West Liberty, Trevino said he wouldn’t have received any awards for his charitable work.
“It takes a village,” Trevino said. “Everybody has been so kind and supportive.”
He has joined organizations that aren’t affiliated with the Catholic Church such as the Chamber of Commerce.
“Again, that’s a unique thing,” Trevino said. “Getting one out his comfort zone. I think it’s helped me. I think I’ve learned things from them and they’ve learned things from me. That’s what it’s all about is learning from each other.”
Trevino is also the first Catholic priest from Iowa to be nominated for the National Blessed Father McGivney Award.
"Whatever happens, of course, being the first from the State of Iowa is a huge honor,” Trevino said.