Written on: May 3, 2019
Sister Patricia (Sister Anne Edward) grew up in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. She met the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart at Little Flower High School and was inspired by their kindness, dedication and teaching excellence.
Her first assignment as a Grey Nun was to Christ the King School in Atlanta, where she taught second grade and prepared her charges for First Holy Communion. She missioned there for several years, later serving at St. Joan of Arc and Blessed Sacrament on Long Island and St. Rose of Lima in New York as well as Melrose Academy, near Philadelphia.
She then returned to Atlanta as Curriculum Director for Catholic Schools and Assistant Superintendent for Catholic Education.
Later, she taught at Georgian Court College, retiring with the title of Professor Emerita. Sister Patricia served for many years on the D’Youville College Board of Trustees and authored Paths of Compassion, a history of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart.
She resides at Holy Redeemer Lafayette, enjoying time for quiet, prayer, reading and scripture.
I celebrate sixty years as a Grey Nun of the Sacred Heart! I am grateful to my parents and the members of my family for their support over these decades. To my congregation, I offer thanks for the friendships I have enjoyed and for the many opportunities for spiritual and educational growth.
Pondering sixty years, I see in my mind’s eye a parade of people and experiences, especially the generous, supportive, and enduring friendships with the parishioners at Christ the King in Atlanta. Each individual remains a source of inspiration and delight.
The parents and students on Long Island and in Buffalo, New York, continue to enrich the years through their ongoing communication and their insistence on my presence at class reunions. What a joy to reminisce about our once yearly ‘Shakespearean Festival!’
I give thanks for the Georgian Court University (GCU) undergraduate and graduate students I was privileged to teach and/or mentor. I am grateful for their kindness, diligence, and love of learning.
Sixty years of people, places, and experiences, each unique and enriching. Who could ask for more? God is Good!
I fondly remember Sister Pat from Georgian Court University. She taught several of my Reading Specialist classes and advised my Master’s project. Years later I asked her to sit on my Doctoral committee because I knew she’d hold my writing to a very rigorous standard. I miss you Sister Pat and I hope you are well.