In 2025, Pax Christi USA created a new honor for outstanding young adult peacemakers, the Sr. Dianna Ortiz, OSU Peacemaker Award. This award is given to a young adult (under 40) whose life and work exemplifies the commitment to justice, contemplative presence, faith-based activism, compassion, and prophetic, nonviolent witness of Sr. Dianna Ortiz, OSU, who died in 2021 at age 62. A Pax Christi USA staff member and our 2000 Teacher of Peace, Sr. Dianna had a deep commitment and abiding love for young people, as an educator, teacher, and coordinator of the Pax Christi USA internship program.
All nominations must be received by April 7, 2026 to be considered, so send in your nominations soon!
Eligibility criteria for nominations for the Sr Dianna Ortiz, OSU Peacemaker Award are:
- A living person
- A Catholic individual between the ages of 18 and 39
- A person who has made significant contributions to Catholic peace with justice activities
- A person who demonstrates a commitment to challenge and transform structures and cultures of oppression through active nonviolence and peace with justice
National council members and former staff members of Pax Christi USA should be considered ineligible until at least three years have elapsed since leaving office
Previous recipients of the award are ineligible:
To nominate someone for the Sr. Dianna Ortiz, OSU Peacemaker Award, please fill out this form.
Learn more about Sr. Dianna Ortiz, OSU.
Cover photo by Rick Reinhard.