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"What have you done to get to be 100?" That is a difficult question to which I have been asked to respond. I've always approached transitions with a sense of excitement and openness to what awaited me, whether in the country or a big city, at a 3-room or normal-sized school, in teaching younger students or adults.

Did you know that while there are 10 American Saints and 9 Americans who have been Beatified by the Vatican, none of them are Black? I only became aware of this three years ago when Associate Dolores Moore shared with the Dismantling Racism Committee that members of her parish, St. Anne’s in Baltimore, had come together to elevate awareness of six Black Americans whose lives exemplify holiness and virtue.

I’ve been an Associate since 1990 – so that will be 35 years this coming October. I became an Associate after I had first considered becoming an SSND Sister. I have greatly appreciated all the opportunities that the province has provided, especially in recent years, to encourage me to spiritual growth, to expand my understanding of key issues in the world and to respond/act as I am able.

On Wednesday, January 29, the Notre Dame Preparatory School Community held a very special Catholic Schools Week liturgy, at which Archbishop William E. Lori presided. As part of the celebration, a special tribute was given to Sister Patricia McCarron, SSND, Ph.D., for her 20 years of service to NDP as Head of School. Joining in the celebration were members of the McCarron Family as well as several School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Growing up, I was blessed with SSNDs throughout my education at St. John’s in Frederick, MD, including Sisters Cora Lee Middleton, Cathy Arata, Mother Maurice, Maura Eichner and many others who left a lasting impact.

The Dismantling Racism and End Human Trafficking committees developed a prayer service for the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita on February 8. Use it individually or communally to pray for an end to racism and human trafficking and for victims of these situations. Thank you for your awareness and prayer for this courageous Saint and for the human dignity of all people.

The Lancet, a renowned British medical journal, recognized the work of Beyond Borders in there November issue, noting that the approach our Rethinking Power team uses to prevent violence against women and girls is effective -- despite the presence of armed groups.