US honour for Clonmellon Sr Fitzsimons

A Clonmellon-born nun has been honoured in the US for her work in the city of Prescott, Arizona.

Sr Anne Fitzsimons, a long-standing member of the Loreto community, was named as recipient of the Albert Lovejoy Social Justice award for 2017.

Sister Anne (Nancy) was born in Clonmellon and having attended primary school there went on to the then Loreto Convent school before entering the Loreto Order in Navan.

Following her final profession, Sr Anne was assigned to the Loreto Mission in Arizona.

For many years, Sr Anne has directed a number of ministries in the Sacred Heart Catholic parish working to promote justice, including education, healthcare, elder care, environmental stewardship and advocacy.

“Sister Anne’s vision for improving the community is rooted both in deep faith, empathy and understanding of what constitutes real service to the poor,” read the citation.

“She consistently communicates the necessity for respecting the dignity of every individual and for understanding that systemic problems underlying their circumstances must be addressed, not just alleviated with charity.”

The citation stated that Sr Anne promotes a sense of relationship rather than the “us/them” attitude that even well-meaning people have toward the poor, less able and socially alienated.

“Not only does she work through the church and community organisations, she personally serves the disadvantaged as a friend and advisor.

“Her goal is to empower those she serves to pursue a path to better living conditions and a sense of belonging to the community.

“She does all this work with the utmost humility, always open to suggestions, undaunted by obstacles and full of joy.”