Congratulations Pat Conley!

Cardinal Stritch University, one of our sister ministries sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, is hosting a pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi and Augsburg from May 25 – June 5, 2012. Cushing staff were invited to apply for a scholarship by writing an essay expressing why they wanted to go on this trip and how they would bring their experience back to the entire Cushing community. One of our Cushing staff will be part of this amazing trip, where they will walk the path of St. Francis and the life of Clare of Assisi and be inspired by their stories and words.

We are pleased to announce that Pat Conley has been selected to represent Cardinal Cushing Centers on the Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. The journey will explore the foundations of the Catholic Church in Rome, the Franciscan tradition in Assisi and the birthplace of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi.

Pat has worked for Cardinal Cushing Centers for 5 years, beginning in a Float position at the school. After 2 years, she worked a year as the Administrative Aide in the Health Center and then became a House Manager in Adult Services . She was recently promoted to become the Residential Coordinator for Adult Services. She has demonstrated devotion to our mission and to the individuals we serve in every position she has held.

Since Pat has worked in a number of areas in our organization, in a sense, she will be bringing all of us with her on this pilgrimage. Her energy, enthusiasm and general love of people will enable her to bond quickly with the other pilgrims on the trip.

Pat is a very religious person who believes in the power of prayer. In her application she wrote, “I have been blessed with having a few miracles happen to me in my life. In one of my darkest hours, when I was taking care of my father in law while he was dying of cancer, I heard a voice say, “Hang in there”. I looked down and there was a rosary at my feet in the parking lot of a grocery store. When you truly need God’s help, I believe he is always there. Attending this pilgrimage would strengthen these beliefs and broaden my knowledge and my ability to teach and minister to my family, friends and community and ultimately the folks I work for at Cardinal Cushing. I believe that holy destinations contain a healing energy.”

Pat believes that religious preference is unimportant because anyone can pray and connect to the healing deity of their personal beliefs. We know that she will bring all of us many opportunities to learn from her sacred journey and we look forward to being one of her students.

Please join us in congratulating and wishing her a safe and fulfilling journey.