Afternoon Tea with the Daughters honors Fr. Robert Reed

Sr. Anne Eileen Heffernan, FSP, ably does the honors this week. From our Development Office, she shares her report about last Sunday's much-anticipated event at our Boston convent, that benefits our sisters all over the U.S....and everyone they serve. Read on!


 On Sunday, September 18, the weather was already autumnal—brisk, with a mixture of sun and clouds—as guests arrived at our Jamaica Plain convent to attend our second annual Afternoon Tea, an annual fundraiser for the Daughters of St. Paul Education Fund. The atmosphere was joyful as priests and laity socialized with sisters and each other, inspected the ten enticing raffle baskets (each with a different theme) and purchased raffle tickets.

Tea in a festive setting was followed by a welcoming address by Sr. Mary Leonora Wilson, provincial superior, and a video clip illustrating the importance of the fundraiser, which helps prepare our sisters academically, professionally, and spiritually for our mission. This was the second annual Afternoon Tea held at our Jamaica Plain motherhouse to bestow the Cordero Award on a Catholic who has striven to uplift the human spirit and recognize the dignity of the person in or through the media. The Cordero Award is named after Mother Paula Cordero, the first Daughter of St. Paul to come to the United States, who from the very beginning valued and encouraged the education of our sisters.

This year’s award recipient was Fr. Robert Reed, priest of the Archdiocese of Boston and President of the Catholic TV Network, who oversees the production, acquisition, and broadcasting of diverse, high-quality Catholic programs on a national level.
The proceeds from this annual event contribute to the Daughters of St. Paul Education Fund, which helps prepare our sisters effectively to meet the needs of today's people with the Gospel message. Sr. Mary Leonora recently explained that, in striving to respond to the Holy Father’s call for new evangelization:

“We must go beyond the print media and be proficient in the digital and virtual universes that have become a part of the culture of our society. Our hearts also go out to the unchurched, who may never approach a Pauline Book & Media center, but who, in the core of their being, long for an encounter with a loving and forgiving God. The more prepared we are, the better we can respond to the needs of humanity.”

Cardinal Seán O’Malley was present for the reception of the award by Fr. Reed, who thanked His Eminence for encouraging Boston Catholic TV to become a national network. Following the drawing of the winning raffle tickets, the Cardinal imparted the closing blessing. Tours of the publishing house followed. It appeared that a good time had been enjoyed by all.

As soon as we’re able—within the next few weeks—we’ll be sure to let you know if we at least came close to our $50,000 goal. If YOU would like to make a contribution to the Daughters of St. Paul Education Fund, click on the Donate Now button on the right sidebar.

Photos: Sr. Ann Richard Heady, FSP