Higher calling: Friends and fans bid adieu as St. Ann sisters move on to next mission
St. Ann Place founders Sister Carleen Cekal and Sister Mary Oliver Hudon were honored at a farewell luncheon hosted by the Fortin Foundation of Florida.
Former Palm Beach Mayor Lesly Smith, president of the Fortin Foundation, was chairwoman for the event, which took place Sept. 14 at the St. Edward parish hall. The sisters founded St. Ann Place in 2003 and have provided services and hope to the homeless population of West Palm Beach for more than 23 years.
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In addition to lunch — Salade Niçoise with chicken and salmon, and a pear tart for dessert — the afternoon included a reception, remarks from Bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach Gerald M. Barbarito; the Rev. Albert A. Dello Russo, chancellor of the Diocese of Palm Beach; St. Ann Place executive director John Pescosolido; and lifelong friends of the sisters.
Entertainment was by music producers Robert Preston and Adrianna Sarmargia Preston, who recorded a tribute song and video in honor of the sisters, both of whom are personal friends of the couple.
A slide show chronicled the sisters' journey from the founding of St. Ann Place to the present.
The sisters are returning to the School Sisters of Notre Dame mother house in Baltimore. The School Sisters of Notre Dame is the world's second largest missionary group of religious women, with 3,600 sisters working on five continents. Their ministries include education, social service, health care, and direct service to those in need.
As a non-governmental organization operating under the United Nations Department of Public Information, the sisters are strong advocates for education for all, human rights, care of the earth, and a world without war.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: After 23 years of serving homeless, founders of St. Ann Place move on
