Sister Jean Liston (Sr. Anne Louise)- 60th Jubilee
Written on: March 27, 2018
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Sister Jean Liston (Sister Anne Louise) was one of five children, mostly girls, in the Liston family of Lowell, Massachusetts. In her early years as a Grey Nun of the Sacred Heart, she taught in several schools before becoming principal at St. Rose of Lima in Buffalo, New York, and then at Christ the King School in Atlanta, Georgia. Her New England accent fused with the soft lilt of the South.
The Grey Nuns elected Sister Jean to serve as Superior General of the congregation during some difficult years but during that time, she was honored to represent the Grey Nuns at St. Marguerite d’Youville’s canonization as she mentions below.
Following some sabbatical time, Sister Jean was hired by St. Andrew’s Parish in Newtown, Pennsylvania, as Director of Pastoral Services. She established several new ministries for the parish including the Elizabeth Ministry for young mothers and the HOPE program, an initiative where parishioners help other parishioners. Sister Jean shares life with the other Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart who reside at Holy Redeemer Lafayette.
It is with a grateful heart that I celebrate sixty years as a Grey Nun of the Sacred Heart. I am thankful to God for the gift of my vocation and for the opportunities to serve God’s people as a teacher, principal, administrator, and spiritual leader. During these years, two of my ministries had spiritual and professional significance for me. I was honored to serve for twelve years as principal of Christ the King School in Atlanta when the school was named a National School of Excellence.
I was humbled when my Sisters elecccd me to serve as Superior General of the Congregation. It was during my ten-year tenure in this role that I represented the Congregation at the Canonization of Saint Marguerite d’Youville. Pope John Paul II smiled when I clasped his hand and said,
“The Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart excel in following the example of St. Marguerite d’Youville.”
Througout my life, opportunities to use my gifts were always available. I served on the Board of Trustees of both D’Youville College in Buffalo, New York and Grey Nun Academy in Yardley, Pennsylvania. Working with others to shape the future of our educational institutions was both challenging and rewarding. Leading parish councils, committees, prayer groups, and retreats as well as serving as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist to the Homebound brought me many unique blessings.
There’s a change in focus during retirement! Living at a slower pace at Holy Redeemer Lafayette provides opportunities for concentrated time for prayer, for conversations with friends and residents, for engaging in crafts, letter writing, and even exercising!
Jubilee is a time when I am filled with gratitude to God. lt is also a moment when I am filled with gratitude for the many people whose love and companionship have strengthened and sustained me on the journey. “It’s a Wonderful Life!”
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Dear Sister Jean,
Working on my scrap book I saw your letter of thanks regarding a small donation we made for your new car “NUN1” during your stay in Atlanta. It was dated Aug. 4, 1988! We visited Ansley Forest apartments (where we were neighbors) and remembered so many wonderful memories. May God bless you always for all you have done!
Ray and Peggy Donato
Atlanta
So happy for you Sister Jean! All the christ the king kids in Atlanta appreciated all you did for US. You are a great leader of the Catholic faith and your examples will always be remembered.
Dear Sister Jean,
Congratulations on your 60th anniversary as a Grey Nun. You have been an inspiration to me in so many ways. Your spiritual direction and gentle prompting during my time of discernment were most important factors in leading me to seek ordination to the Permanent Diaconate. And I will never forget your encouraging and comforting phone call last year as I lay in my hospital room awaiting emergency by-pass surgery the next morning.
I pray, dear Sister, that our loving God will continue to bless you with His peace and love and that you enjoy many more years as a Grey Nun of the Sacred Heart.
Fondly,
Ed Duess
Congratulations Sr. Jean on 60 years of service. I attended St Rose in Buffalo. Thank you for the impact you left on the students and the community. God bless you.
Sr, Jean,
You have been an inspiration to me since the first time I met you. I have great respect for you as a person and a Grey Nun of the Sacred. I want to thank you for your 60 yrs. of service to God using the many gifts you were given by Him. Your beautiful smile, caring and giving ways are just a few of the many things I love about you. I will always remember your words of wisdom as Principal of St. Rose of Lima and as I discerned my vocation. You are a gentle,loving woman who deserves to be celebrated for 60 yrs.of service to all you touched. Much Love, Rosalie
Sister Jean the lessons you taught me at Christ the King are too many to mention. But the most profound impact is leadership with grace. When you mix disciple with grace and love you change the world and you have certainly accomplished that. Congratulations and excited to hear what’s next!
Sister Jean,
You are an inspiration to all who meet you. I am honored to have had the privilege to get to know you. Your work has truly been a blessing to the world. How wonderful to celebrate your Jubilee. I am so happy for you and wish you the very best in all you do.
Love,
Francine
Dear Sr. Jean,
You have touched my heart in so many ways as we journeyed together at St. Andrew’s parish. You are a blessing to all who know you…You are truly a gift, bringing the love of Jesus to all whom you touch.
Congratulations on your 60th Jubilee!
Joy, love and blessings,
Peg DePol
Best wishes to my third grade teacher who kept a classroom of 8 year old’s calm through the assassination of JFK. I recall happily your warm and calm demeanor and your ability to take the teasing from my father and uncle. May the future bring you more rewards
I send my best wishes and congratulations. Though we have never met, I know of you through your sister, my sister-in-law, Mary Frank, who was married to Seymour/Sy Frank, Jerry Frank’s brother. What a proud moment for your wonderful family!
I am proud to call you my sister. You were a positive influence when we were growing up and you continue to be a positive influence today. Your many acts of kindness is an inspiration. Congratulations on 60 years (plus) of giving to others. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
Dottie
Sister Jean thank you for your service and devotion to God’s people.
I especially want to thank you personally for your help and friendship since I joined our prayer group. You are such an inspiration and so much fun to spend time with and you give me such wonderful advise.
I am so happy for you to be celebrating your 60th anniversary as a Grey Nun of the Sacred Heart.
I love you very much.
Terry
Thanks, Terry. You are also a blessing in my life!