Roman Congregation Dominican Honored by Jesuits

CHICAGO --- Recently, Sr. Frances Thibodeau, a Dominican Sister of the Roman Congregation was recognized for her outstanding dedication to the students at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago. 

Sr. Frances received the Marquette Award, which is given out to recognize a faculty member’s commitment to service and who contributes in a notable way to the tradition of Jesuit education brought by Jacques Marquette in 1673 to the Pilsen/Little Village neighborhood.  This award is not given out every year.  Rather it is given when someone has gone above and beyond their responsibilities at Cristo Rey.

The award presentation was given by Rev. James G. Gartland, S.J., president of Cristo Rey as follows:

“Today Cristo Rey Jesuit High School is proud to present thisaward to a true woman for others, Sr. Frances Thibodeau.  Since our school began, Sr. Frances has blessed our school with her hard work and dedication.  Sr. Frances typically arrives here each morning at 6:00 a.m. and is here working most weekends.  Her love for our students inspires all.  Her compassion embraces all of us and she proclaims with her life what it means to be a Christian.  We are fortunate to have her here at Cristo Rey.  We are proud to present this Jacques Marquette Award to her this morning.”

It is obvious from this award that the Cristo Rey community is grateful for Sr. Frances’ presence and service.  We, the USA province of the Dominican Sisters of the Roman Congregation is very proud of Sr. Frances as she takes very seriously Dominic’s “holy preaching” in her ministry and in her life.  Congratulations, Frances, and may God continue to bless you as you share Dominic’s charism with your students, your co-workers and our province.

Monique Belanger, OP (Roman)