SALT LAKE CITY — Maria Cruz Gray gives her all to her job as the director of the Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Salt Lake City. Her commitment is much more than a strong work ethic: Gray sees everyone she meets as a brother or sister in Christ, and her service extends beyond her work life, filling most of her waking hours. Gray was recently recognized by the Spanish-language cable TV station KUTH Univision 32 for her humanitarian efforts. In July she was named its Angel of the Month. On Oct. 21 they presented her with a plaque in honor of her service.
“For me it is a privilege to introduce you to Maria Cruz who, since her arrival, has dedicated her life to this land,” said reporter Jesus Rodriguez at the beginning of the recorded segment. “When we were little, we used to see angels in the movies, shows or in the entertainment business, but she [Maria Cruz] is a real angel: kind, generous, selfless, brave, and [she] has dedicated her life to serve the people without expecting anything in return.”
Maria Cruz Gray, a native of Spain, met her husband Deacon Forrest Gray while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed outside Madrid. They were married in 1963 and are the parents of three children, Jane, Edward and Fr. Christopher Gray, who is pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Park City. After Deacon Gray’s service in the military, the couple made their home in Salt Lake City. Deacon Gray was ordained in 2004 and served as a deacon for 16 years before passing away in January 2020.
In the televised segment, Rodriguez noted that over the years Maria Cruz Gray has been a community activist, working with government and other agencies to coordinate relief efforts, organize food drives and, during the pandemic, help families who lost their jobs.
Gray was humble about being chosen to receive the award. “I feel happy; I feel honored, and I receive the prize in the name of the Hispanic people,” she said. “Those are the ones who deserve the honor. I don’t know why they gave it to me; I’m just doing my job.”
Diocesan officials say they were not surprised to see Gray receive such recognition.
“Maria Cruz has become the epitome and best example of leadership and generosity for Hispanic ministry over her many years in the Diocese of Salt Lake City,” Msgr. Colin F. Bircumshaw, vicar general, said. “On top of all she does in terms of teaching and ministering, her personal service to the poor is quiet and as hidden as is possible, but consistent and generous, over all the 26 years she has served in leadership for the diocese. I am sure many are not even aware of the ‘street’ ministry she provides to the working poor. She is a true modern-day saint without the halo.”
“Maria Cruz is certainly an angel for the Hispanic community and for all who meet her,” Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald, vicar general emeritus, said. “She is selfless and totally dedicated to the pastoral care of her people. Maria is an excellent teacher of the faith and generous with her time. She has been the face of the Church throughout the diocese.”
Fr. Gray said his mother has been an example of service throughout his lifetime. When he asked Hispanic members of his parish community to find out when Univision would air the segment about her, “universally they had stories about how Mom had helped them or listened to them at a difficult time, proving the point of the award: Mom helps people. All throughout our diocese, I run into people who say, excitedly, that they know my mom – and I know the reason why: Mom takes the time to listen to everyone, to show warmth and interest, and to help them if she can.”
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