Winter SALT: Eye on Moral Values

Sisters who have ministered at Holy Family accept the Dei Gloriam Award from Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ. They are (l. to r.) BVMs Otilie Sana, Kathleen Doherty (Patrick Louis), Mary Therese Freymann (Marcina), Theresa Gleeson (Dorothy), Francilla Kirby, Marion Murphy (John Patrice), Mary Angela Buser and BVM President Joellen McCarthy.

BVMs Honored by St. Ignatius College Prep

The 2005-2006 Dei Gloriam Award has been given to the BVM congregation by St. Ignatius College Prep for “selfless service to Holy Family Church and School and the City of Chicago .” School President Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ made the presentation in late November.

BVMs' presence in Chicago dates to 1867, when they were invited by Rev. Arnold Damen, SJ. “Day in and day out for the past 138 years the BVMs have been pouring out their lives in service of others, including the least of our brothers and sisters in this city, making God's justice and peace more tangible and visible for all Chicagoans, said Fr. Paulsen.

This Glory of God Award is the school's highest, and was presented at St. Ignatius' annual benefit. Paulsen said he was convinced that Mary Frances Clarke and Ignatius of Loyola (founders of the two communities) would have had a lot in common and appreciated one another very much. “We have so much to be thankful for in the rich history of shared ministry and partnership in Chicago between the BVMs and the Jesuits.”

At their peak, some 5,000 children were students in six Holy Family Schools. Several school consolidations have occurred since. “The area has different needs now, which the five Sisters who live and work at Holy Family try to meet in a variety of ways. Education continues to be a priority as BVMs staff Westside Employment Education and tutor at James L. Smyth, the local public school.

“They run Holy Family Food Pantry, which meets the immediate needs of destitute people; they continue to do what they are able to support the residents of ABLA, the local housing project, during its difficult period of transition; and they work with the parishioners of Holy Family Church and together they try to create an ever more welcoming and caring church which embraces everyone.”