Welcome: Grace Dougherty, OP
Musical Selection: Harmony, Hope and Healing
Reading – Gospel Story of the 8th Beatitudes: Eunice Drazba, OP
Reflections – Aquinas High School: Susan Connelly
Musical Selection: Kevin Glover
Reading – Selection from Mary Oliver: Ajitha Reddy
Reflections – 8th Day Center for Justice: Kathleen Desautels, SP
Musical Selection: Harmony, Hope and Healing
Reading – Selection from Abraham Heschell: David Harris
Reflections on St. Leonard’s Ministries: Rev. Annie Gonzalez
Eunice Drazba, OP
Concluding Words – Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President
Musical Selection: Harmony, Hope and Healing
Remembering Sister Jean, a scene from the forthcoming Radical Grace documentary
Sister Jean Joseph Hughes, formerly known as Patricia Hughes, was born in Chicago to Patrick Breen and Jean (Richards) Breen. She graduated from Aquinas High School in Chicago and entered the Adrian Dominican Congregation in 1956. She received a bachelor of science degree in biology from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian Michigan, and a master of arts degree in systematic theology from Aquinas Institute of Theology in Dubuque, Iowa.
Sister Jean spent 22 years ministering in education in Grosse Pointe Farms in Michigan, Chicago, and the Dominican Republic. She was a teacher for 6 years and principal for 4 years at Aquinas High School; a staff member for 12 years at 8th Day Center for Justice, and a staff member of St. Leonard’s Ministries for 16 years – all in Chicago. Earlier in her career, Sister Jean taught for 9 years at Colegio Santo Domingo, St. Vincent Ferrer School in San Juan de la Maguana, and University Madre Y Maestra and Institute Dominico-Americano in Santiago, all in the Dominican Republic.
Sister Jean often spoke with love and gratitude for the many people who were a part of the fabric her life: family members, sisters, friends, colleagues, students – and often strangers on the street. While spending time with Jean, one always felt as if her time and energies were yours alone!
So this same love and gratitude is extended to all who are with us for this Memorial Celebration. Special thanks to St. Leonard’s Ministries; St. Malachy Church; Barlow Center Culinary Skills students; Harmony Hope & Healing; Kevin Glover and all who participated in and helped with this Celebration.