White Cross Ball
The White Cross Ball is an annual black-tie benefit supporting the charitable programs of the Cuban Association of the Order of Malta. Held in Miami since XXX, the ball has also been the traditional venue for the bestowal of the Tuitio Fidei Award, Defender of the Faith, to recognize and honor those who, through their public actions, witness and defend the principles of the Catholic faith. The recipients of the Award live their life, public and private, consistent with the demands of the Catholic Faith notwithstanding public opinion or social pressure.
The White Cross Ball is a convivial event in which members and friends of the Order of Malta can enjoy an evening of companionship and dancing, while assisting programs that serve the most vulnerable in our society, the poor and the sick.
“La Cuchara de Amor” or Spoon of Love — for the big wooden spoons that many cooks use in Cuba, the purchase of one helps feed over 20 people in Cuba.
Previous sponsors
The generosity of our sponsors allow us to continue the work of serving those most in need in Cuba, Miami, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and accross the Caribbean Basin, where members and volunteers of the Cuban Association dedicate their time and talents to our missions.
Previous recipients include
Christine de Marcellus de Vollmer
This year’s 2017 recipient of the Tuitio Fidei Award is Mrs. Christine de Marcellus de Vollmer.
Reverend William E. Lori
Archbishop of Baltimore
This year’s 2016 recipient of the Tuitio Fidei Award is Reverend William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore.
Lillian Fanjul de Azqueta
This year’s recipient of the 2015 Tuitio Fidei Award is Lillian Fanjul De Azqueta, DM.
H.E. Chibly Cardinal Langlois
This year’s 2014 recipient of the Tuitio Fidei Award is H.E. Chibly Cardinal Langlois.
Johnnette S. Bebkovic
Founder And President of Living His Life Abundantly International Inc.
This year’s 2013 recipient of the Tuitio Fidei Award is Johnnette S. Benkovic Founder and President of Living His Life Abundantly International, Inc.
Oscar Andrés Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga
Archbishop of Tegucigalpa
This year’s recipient of the 2012 Tuitio Fidei award is his eminence Oscar Andres Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga, Archbishop of Tegucigalpa.
Mr. George Weigel
Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington
In 2011, the Award went to Mr. George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D. C. and Biographer of Pope John Paul II.
Mons. Thomas G. Wenski
Archbishop of Miami
In 2010 the honored awardee was given to Mons. Thomas G. Wenski, Archbishop of Miami, and Conventual Chaplain ad honorem of the Cuban Association. Currently, he is our Chief Chaplain.
Mr. James Towey
President of St. Vincent College
In 2009, the awardee was Mr. James Towey, a native of South Florida and President of St. Vincent College.
Mr. Thomas Stephen Monahan
Founder and Chancellor of Ave Maria University
In 2008, the Award was given to Mr. Thomas Stephen Monahan, Founder and Chancellor of Ave Maria University, in Naples, Florida, and Chairman of the Board of Ave Maria Foundation.
Seán Patrick Cardinal O'Malley
Cardinal-Archbishop of Boston
In 2007, the recipient was His Eminence Seán Patrick Cardinal O’Malley, OFM Cap, Cardinal-Archbishop of Boston, and conventual chaplain ad honorem of the Order of Malta in the American Association.
Melquiades Rafael Martinez
Former United States Senator from Florida
The recipient of the Award in 2006 was the Mr. Melquiades Rafael Martinez, former United States Senator from Florida, Knight of Magistral Grace of the Cuban Association.
Order of Malta
Cuban Association
2655 S. Lejeune Road
Suite 918
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone: (786) 888-6494/6496
