HARTFORD, CT (10-06-2019) – Sister Patricia Glass, FSE was honored during the Annual Archdiocese of Hartford Respect Life Mass on October 6, 2019, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. Archbishop Leonard P. Blair bestowed the Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Pro-Life Award on Sister Patricia and three other pro-life advocates who were selected for the award for their exemplary dedication to the Church’s teachings on the dignity of human life.

In his homily, Archbishop Blair gratefully acknowledged the efforts of all the pro-life advocates present for the Mass as the Church faces unprecedented opposition to the teachings expressed by St. John Paul II in Gospel of Life. The Archbishop presented recent examples of violence and disregard for the dignity of human life in the United States, and urged the congregation to continue to witness to respect for life.

Sister Patricia was recognized for her volunteer service to the Pro-Life Ministry of the Archdiocese. For over 15 years, she has handled numerous unseen tasks for the Ministry’s events. For the March for Life to Washington, D.C. in January, she is out in the parking lot at 5:00 a.m. in the dark directing traffic with her team of parkers, as 200 people arrive to board the buses for the trip to Washington, D.C.; at the hotel in Washington, D.C. she opens up her well-prepared sacristy suitcase to set up the altar for the Archbishop’s Mass and ensures everything is ready for the priests and the over 200 people who attend the Mass; for the annual Respect Life Mass she packs a van with boxes of candles for distribution at the Mass and drives the load to the Cathedral. Former Director of Pro-Life Activities for the Archdiocese of Hartford, Father Robert Rousseau commented, “It is impressive to see a Sister of her age handling all these behind the scenes tasks with energy and precision to promote the mission of pro-life. Her contribution is invaluable!” Sister Patricia celebrated her 60th year of religious vows this summer.

Other recipients of the Saint Gianna Beretta Molla award were Deacon David Reynolds, Founder and Board Chairman of Two Hearts Pregnancy Care Center in Torrington, Connecticut; Mrs. Lynn Reynolds, Executive Director of Two Hearts Pregnancy Care Center; and Mr. James O’Boyle and the Pro-Life Committee of Mary, Gate of Heaven Parish, Windsor Locks, Connecticut.