BOSTON, MA (April 13, 2004) The Secondary Schools Department of the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) has honored the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, citing the Congregation’s 200 years of service and “depth of contribution” in education. The award was given today at the association’s Annual Convocation at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, MA.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Congregation was Sister Maria Delaney, SND, a member of the SND Congregational Leadership Team, Rome, Italy Generalate.

“We’re delighted to be recognized by the NCEA for the overall contribution in education made by our sisters throughout these many years,” said Sr. Maria. “While we have always been known primarily as teachers, our Sisters educate through a variety of ministries, and our work is especially focused among the materially and spiritually poor.”

“Our foundress, St. Julie Billiart, told the first Sisters of Notre Dame to ‘Teach them what they need for life!’ Those words are seeds that have been sown in the hearts of over 10,000 Sisters of Notre Dame in these past 200 years.”

The opening prayer for the awards program included reference to St. Julie Billiart, stating: “May we take inspiration from St. Julie and be people of the Gospel in standing with those who are poor among us, ready to toil in the unfamiliar as God calls.”

Nearly 100 Sisters of Notre Dame were among the standing-room-only audience at the award ceremony. It is estimated that 12,000 Catholic educators are attending this week’s NCEA Meeting in Boston.

The Xaverian Brothers, who are celebrating 150 years of service in education, were also recognized by the NCEA this year.

Sr. Maria Delaney receives the award from Sr. Mary Frances Taymans, SND (Coesfeld), President of the NCEA Secondary Schools Department Executive Committee

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