At a presentation Mass held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Sunday, May 19, Boy Scouts Kenny Carpenter (Troop 288), Anthony Novoa (Troop 303), Andrew Schneider (Troop 315), Anton Studer (Troop 315), William Van Keuren (Troop 315), and Edward Vu (Troop 317) each received the Ad Altare Dei religious emblem. After completing an intensive program of many months, these Scouts distinguished themselves with this award. The Ad Altare Dei (to the altar of God) program’s purpose is to help the Catholic Scout develop a fully Christian way of life in the faith community. It is based on the seven sacraments as a primary means toward spiritual growth.

Allister Quizon (Troop 317) earned and received the Pope Pius XII religious emblem, the final emblem presented by the Catholic Committee on Scouting – Archdiocese of Los Angeles. This program is Catholic Scouting’s church-related ministries and vocation program. Each candidate is challenged to evaluate different life choices of vocation or ministry that relates to becoming more active in the Catholic faith community, and includes discussions and guidance on current issues facing the church and society. For earning all four of the Catholic religious emblems – Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei, Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII – Allister Quizon was also presented the special Chi Rho Award.

The Most Reverend Jose H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, presented both religious emblems to each Scout.