Above: a moment from the gala

Living the Dream: An Evening of Love in Action

Marian Batho, CSJ, Director of Advancement

Kelly Tuthill, president and CEO of Catholic Charities, welcomed more than three hundred guests to the Seaport Hotel with these words: “Tonight we celebrate the goodness of our community, Mission Alive, Love in Action. The Sisters of St. Joseph focus on bringing people together, uniting them with one another and with God. The message of our gathering this evening is to put love in action.”

Above: Mary L. Murphy, CSJ, giving the Hunt Family their awards.

The Hunt Family, Jean, Jim, young Jim, Peter and Representative Dan Hunt received the Dear Neighbor Award for their commitment to faith, family, and community. Every day, they work for the betterment of life for others. The Hunt Family is a shining example of Love in Action.

The Living the Dream Video highlighted the Core Values of the Sisters of St. Joseph:

• Service to the Dear Neighbor without distinction
• Gracious Hospitality
• Care for Creation
• Peaceful Resolution of Conflict.

As reflected in stories told by Emily, a student of the Fontbonne, the Early College of Boston, Jamie Medeiros, the Director of St. Joseph Spiritual Ministries, and Malik, a former resident of Bethany Hill Place.

Above: Elieen McLaughlin, our testimonial speaker

Eileen McLaughlin, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Boston, shared a very moving reflection of her experience at Mount Saint Joseph Academy. “It was a place where I learned about myself, my faith, and the world in which we live. As an adolescent, this environment offered me a space to learn how to navigate the world. I learned that hard work overcomes all difficulties, Labor Omnia Vincit, but I also learned to embrace joy, recognize joy, look for joy and be the joy.”

In accepting the award on behalf of the family, the younger Jim Hunt offered these words: “No one better represents ‘Love in Action’ than my parents. They encouraged commitment to faith, family, and community. They founded the Neponset Health Center to provide affordable health care for all. The sisters remind us that we are all here to improve the human condition.”

Father Jack Ahern closed out the evening with a blessing, saying, “May we continue to put love in action! May we remember this evening and the wonderful dedication of the Hunt Family and the Sisters of Saint Joseph in their care for the dear neighbor and the betterment of all.”

Above: Father Jack Ahern giving the closing blessing.