Recollection at Good Shepherd Peace Center

Award to sister in South Sudan.

On March 7, 2019, Sr. Orla Treacy will be presented with a Women of Courage Award in Washington, D.C. Every year, the award recognises ten women from the around the world who have shown leadership, courage, resourcefulness, and willingness to sacrifice for others, especially in promoting women's rights. Sr. Orla was nominated for this award by the De La Salle Brothers through the US Embassy to the Holy See. 

The award acknowledges the work of Sr. Orla and the Loreto Sister's Mission in Rumbek, South Sudan, which was started with a girl's boarding school in 2006. Today, the mission has a thriving secondary school for more than 300 girls from all over the country, a local primary school for boys and girls, and a health care unit, with a focus on vulnerable women and children. There are 3 Loreto Sisters working in the mission – from Kenya, India and Ireland, who partner with many other missions in the area through the local Diocese of Rumbek, including the De La Salle Brothers.

Sr. Orla is humbled to be receiving the award, noting, "This award belongs to the young women of South Sudan with whom I have the privilege of working. Our students embody all that is courageous – they are young women of vision, strength and hope. Young women who dream of a better country for themselves and their families, who are prepared to challenge old structures and work towards making South Sudan great. I am grateful to all who have made this possible. Our work in South Sudan is not possible without the ongoing support of our partners, our wider Loreto family, past pupils, students, staff and our local community in Rumbek. Our Church leaders, community leaders and local government leaders have all played a significant role in supporting our mission."

For more information about Loreto Rumbek and the young women of courage that this mission supports, please visit www.loretorumbek.ie.