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February 27, 2018

Sister Margaret McCleary to receive Hibernian Christian Charity Award

REGIONAL
Staff report

Sister of Providence Margaret McCleary (IObserve photo/courtesy of Sisters of Providence)

 

HOLYOKE – Sister of Providence Margaret McCleary will receive the 2018 Hibernian Christian Charity Award at the annual Communion breakfast on Sunday, March 11, at the Wherehouse?, Holyoke. The breakfast will follow the 8 a.m. Mass in St. Patrick Chapel of St. Jerome Parish, here.

The award is presented annually by the Ancient Order of Hibernians James A. Curran Division One and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians of Hampden/Hampshire Counties to recognize those in the community who “truly seek to improve the quality of life for the people of Hampden/Hampshire Counties.” Past recipients of this award include Barbara Bernard (2014), Msgr. David Joyce (2015), Father Mark Mengel (2016), and Karen Blanchard (2017).

Sister McCleary is the founder of Providence Ministries for the Needy; Kate’s Kitchen; Loreto House, transitional housing for homeless men; and Broderick House, a sober supportive living environment for men and women.

“I am humbled and honored by the graciousness of the Ancient Order of Hibernians to be selected for this honor and to be listed among such a distinguished group of past participants,” Sister McCleary said. “I accept it not in my name alone, but in the names of all who have joined the Sisters of Providence through the years in our commitment to the poor. Among them is the Ancient Order of Hibernians, with whom we share the same values of friendship, unity, and true Christian charity.”

“Being a Sister of Providence for over 60 years is among the greatest blessings in my life,” she said. “I was always allowed to pursue what I deeply felt called to do and that is to be a friend to the poor and to be their advocate.”

The featured speaker at the breakfast will be retired Judge W. Michael Ryan who will speak on “Ireland’s Non-Violent Revolution-The General Election of 1918.” Judge Ryan has written several plays surrounding the unjust hangings in Northampton in 1806 of Irishmen Dominic Daley and James Halligan.

The annual Communion breakfast is part of the festivities surrounding the 2018 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, which will be held on Sunday, March 18. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased by contacting Atty. John J. Driscoll at 413-534-0445 by March 9.

 

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