Publication Date: Friday, April 09, 2004
Palo Alto couple receive rare Papal award
Palo Alto couple receive rare Papal award
(April 09, 2004) Chippendales have dedicated themselves to community for 45 years
by Sue Dremann
A Palo Alto couple who have dedicated their lives to social service have received a rare and prestigious award from the Vatican.
George and Ruth Chippendale were presented the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice by Bishop Patrick J. McGrath last Saturday, April 3 during services at St. Albert the Great Church in Palo Alto.
The couple were honored for their 45-year effort to aid parents of emotionally and mentally disabled children; feed and clothe the homeless; work for peace and justice; bring affordable housing to the area; and arrange scholarships for East Palo Alto children to attend summer camp at Hidden Villa.
Over the years, the Chippendales have also provided refuge for more than 20 foster children and adopted a developmentally delayed son (who died at the age of 21).
Interviewed at their home before the presentation, Ruth was embarrassed by all the fuss.
"I'd feel better if 10 other people were receiving it," she said. "The last time I had so much attention was when I got married 50 years ago."
The Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice ("For the Church and Pontiff") was created more than 200 years ago by Pope Leo XIII to recognize Catholics who demonstrate outstanding leadership and service to those in need.
The church does not bestow the award frequently. The last time it was presented locally was 1991, when 41 awards were distributed in the Diocese of San Jose. This year, only the Chippendales received the award.
Despite their embarrassment, it is clear why the Chippendales were chosen.
With her smooth skin and silver hair, Ruth looks 10 years younger than her 74 years. She conveys warmth and affection with a gentle touch on the shoulder. Ruth visits and prays with the homebound weekly, often bringing them Communion. She also drives them to doctor's appointments and grocery shopping, and is an active member of The Raging Grannies, an a capella singing group working for peace.
She also works against the death penalty.
Ruth credits the Depression with opening her eyes to the misfortunes of others, when her mother would give food to itinerants looking for work. But the philosophy and teachings of Christ crystallized when the couple joined the Christian Family Movement in 1957.
"Their philosophy was to observe something in your neighborhood and judge it through the eyes of Christ, and act on it. It can be as simple as bringing a meal to a family," she said.
George often defers to Ruth as the motivating force behind their years of service. "Until I met her, I was a lamp post in the church," he said. At the age of 75, he still volunteers 70 to 80 hours a week.
Tall, lean and animated, George, a retired engineer, described his early self as introverted. A native of Boston, he remembered his father as a New Deal Democrat who always fought for the underdog. George and Ruth, who was born in New York City, witnessed the devastating effects of poverty first-hand after moving to California in 1957. Their experiences with migrant workers were true eye-openers. "People were living crowded into tool sheds. It was a real shock to me, coming from Boston," he said..
At the core of the Chippendales' work is a deep commitment to basic human rights and working for peace.
"Giving is one small part of getting peace in the world. In a small way, we can do that (locally). I think of families we help in East Palo Alto (through St. Vincent de Paul Society) - families that are in real distress," she said. "If bills are paid, and your children have enough to eat, families are more at peace."
"You develop a friendship with people. Sometimes you can't help them, but you have a good relationship with them" George said. "In the Church it's the whole idea of hope. You take a step forward."
Special Sections Editor Sue Dremann can be e-mailed at sdremann@paweekly.com
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