Sister Patty Chappell, SNDdeN Receives Awards from Pax Christi and LCRW
This article initially appeared in the inaugural issue of our magazine, 'Sowing Goodness.' The full issue is available here.
There is no need to ask Sister Patty Chappell, SNDdeN about her convictions or her faith. Just spend a few minutes with her and you will hear about her strong faith as she greets you with, "God is Good" anticipating that you will respond, "all the time." During conversations about situations, whether personal or in the community, she always presents a resolution rooted in fairness. Her presence and spirit steadfastly bear witness to a life focused on justice, nonviolence and peacemaking.
Thus, it is fitting that as Pax Christi USA celebrates its 50th anniversary year, it will commissioned 20 new Ambassadors of Peace including Sister Patty Chappell. The celebration took take place during the closing Mass of the 50th anniversary national conference, celebrated by Bishop John Stowe, Pax Christi USA Bishop-President, on Sunday, August 7th.
The addition of the new honorees brings the total of Ambassadors of Peace to 50 in honor of the important 50th anniversary of Pax Christi USA. Ambassadors of Peace are chosen for the contributions they have made in preaching and practicing gospel nonviolence, peacemaking, reconciliation, and justice. Ambassadors promote the mission of Pax Christi USA through word and witness, sharing the programs and campaigns with new audiences, serving as representatives in coalitions, and generally carrying the message of Pax Christi USA wherever they go. This is not an award; Ambassadors of Peace serve as living embodiments to the community and beyond of what it means to live a life rooted in the "peace of Christ."
Sister Patty became the Executive Director of Pax Christi USA in October 2011 and left in May 2019 when she was elected to the leadership team of the East-West Province of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. During her tenure at Pax Christi USA, she affirmed active nonviolence as a core Christian principle while asking others to do the same. Sister Patty's commitment to nonviolence is evidenced by her leadership and training in anti-racism.
Sister Anne-Louise Nadeau, SNDdeN, who served as the Director of Programs at Pax Christi USA from 2012–2019 and then also as interim Executive Director from 2019–2020 said, "An Ambassador of Peace is one, who by her/his presence, gives credence to the mandate 'No Justice, No Peace.' Both when convenient and inconvenient, Sister Patty has proclaimed peace with justice all of her adult life and brought that gift to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. As Executive Director of Pax Christi USA, she placed racism as the core thread weaving throughout all of the issues crying out for justice. This award is a confirmation of her ongoing commitment to the evolution of the Beloved Community among us."
The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) selected Sister Patty Chappell as the recipient of their 2020 Outstanding Leadership Award. LCWR sought to recognize Sister Patty for years of commitment to dismantling white supremacy while providing anti-racism training to help religious communities and parishes confront the systemic racism within their congregations. Sister Patty received the award at the August 2022 LCWR Assembly in St. Louis, Missouri.
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