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Past Winners

2004 $1 Million Opus Prize Winner
Monsignor Richard Albert
Representing Helping Hands for the Poor, Inc.

In 1976, Monsignor Richard Albert arrived in Kingston, Jamaica, from the Bronx, NY. Intent on breaking the vicious cycle of poverty in Jamaica, Msgr. Albert has spent 27 years establishing a vast network of charities and institutions that provides Jamaica's poor with the basic services and skills that have transformed the lives of thousands.

As a result of Msgr. Albert's tireless commitment, Jamaica's destitute and marginalized have access to services such as education, food assistance, health care and job skills training.

Msgr. Albert single-handedly founded six community centers that provide a broad range of aid to lepers, AIDS victims, abandoned elderly, and neglected children and teens. He has established basic schools, skills training centers, libraries, soup kitchens and counseling services in teenage pregnancy, drug abuse and human sexuality. Msgr. Albert's selfless service has inspired countless people, Americans as well as Jamaicans, to give of their time and money to help those less fortunate.

Bald, sun burnt, with the accent and attitude of a true Bronx native, the Catholic priest is affectionately called "Pinkhead."  

New York Beginnings

Born June 29, 1946 in the Bronx, Msgr. Albert's upbringing helped prepare him for a life dedicated to others. He was exceptionally close to his Jewish grandfather, who was extremely supportive and influential in his grandson's decision to become a priest and to serve others. Msgr. Albert joined the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement at the age of 13.

He was training to be a university chaplain with no predilection for missionary work when his superior encouraged him to go abroad. Only one month after his ordination, Msgr. Albert arrived in Bridgeport, St. Catherine, where he spent the first six years of his life as a missionary. In 1982, he was asked to minister in the violent, poverty-stricken area of Kingston called "Waterhouse."

Life in The "Waterhouse"

Msgr. Albert was immediately taken aback by the devastating problems of the people in Kingston. The cleric quickly became a fixture in the community, often receiving 50 to 100 people lined up outside his door asking for help. In response to these compelling cries for assistance, Msgr. Albert established St. Patrick's, which began as a soup kitchen and eventually grew into St. Patrick's Foundation, offering everything from food assistance programs and health care to skills training in woodwork, dressmaking, welding and computer technology.

The essential component of Msgr. Albert's mission has always been and continues to be offering assistance to the poor. His commitment to the people of Jamaica is demonstrated in the principles of his foundations: self-reliance, education, empowerment and liberation.

Recognitions and Awards

Msgr. Albert has been featured in Gerard Straub's book, When Did I See You Hungry, a powerful account of the plight of the poor. He was also featured on television's most popular news magazine show, "60 Minutes," and has received recognition for his work in major international publications.

In addition to the 2004 Opus Prize, Msgr. Albert was awarded the 2001 Path to Peace Foundation's "Servant of Peace" Award.

For more information about Helping Hands for the Poor, Inc., contact Monsignor Albert at stcathvicar@kasnet.com.