Royal Oak — The National Shrine of the Little Flower celebrated the life and legacy of its namesake Sept. 30 by honoring two individuals whom the parish said model the characteristics of St. Therese of Lisieux.

The Royal Oak parish and national shrine of St. Therese, recognized its former pastor, Fr. Edward Prus, and national speaker and lecturer Deby Schlapprizzi as the first recipients of the inaugural “Little Way” award for “nurturing the National Shrine of the Little Flower’s community through service, stewardship and involvement based on the spirit of St. Therese.”

Fr. Prus, 82, a retired priest of the archdiocese, was pastor of Shrine from 1980-87 before being transferred to minister in Recife, Brazil. In a news release, the parish said Fr. Prus, “breathes mercy and forgiveness, encouragement and spirit-filled belief in God the Almighty.”

Schlapprizzi, host of the national radio show “Splendor of You” as well as a pro-life advocate and motivational speaker from St. Louis, “delivers a message of purpose and hope,” the parish said.