The Italian word for friends is amici. The Rev. Thomas Mull, pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Geneva, has been a friend to Geneva Lodge 2397 of the Order of the Sons of Italy in America since being assigned here in 2013. For that dedication, he is being awarded the “Amici Award” by the local lodge Saturday night.

“He’s been there for us whenever we ask him to officiate at an event, say benediction, say a prayer or do anything he can to help us out,” said Palma Fratto-Evans, lodge president. She said the award is given to someone who is not a member of the organization but who helps foster a positive image of the lodge and the Italian-American community and does good work for the community.