SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Mercy Sister Rosemary Connelly, former executive director of Misericordia and lifelong advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, will receive the University of Notre Dame’s 2023 Laetare Medal, the oldest and most prestigious honor given to American Catholics.
It will be presented at the university’s 178th commencement ceremony May 21 at Notre Dame Stadium.
The announcement was made March 19, Laetare Sunday, which is the fourth Sunday of Lent. The medal has been given to Catholic leaders since 1883.
“With her characteristic tenacity, grace and genius, Sr. Rosemary has ensured that the residents of Misericordia – as wonderful children of God – have the quality of life and opportunities they deserve,” said Holy Cross Father John I. Jenkins, president of Notre Dame. “We are inspired by her vision, her leadership and her compassion and are honored to bestow the Laetare Medal on her.”
When Sr. Connelly came to Misericordia as executive director in 1969, the nonprofit on Chicago’s South Side provided a home and custodial care for children with disabilities from birth to age 6. Though the children were well cared for, they did not have access to educational and enrichment activities – as was typical at the time.
Sr. Connelly, however, believed the children were capable of more and deserved a higher quality of life. She began seeking out special education programming for them and when she found that nothing yet existed, she developed her own.
Today, the Misericordia community has expanded to include a 37-acre campus on Chicago’s North Side serving more than 600 children and adult residents, with more than 1,200 staff members and thousands of volunteers, as well as an outreach program that offers assistance to more than 140 additional families.
“It is considered a benchmark in compassionate care for individuals with disabilities, offering a wide range of vocational training and educational, social, recreational, medical and therapy opportunities,” said the Notre Dame news release on the 2023 Laetare Medal recipient.
Sr. Connelly said she has felt God’s presence at every turn. Now 92, she has recently transitioned from her role as executive director to chairwoman of the board of the Misericordia Foundation, which focuses on fundraising efforts, and continues to spend as much time as she can working with the Misericordia community.
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