The Franciscan Federation of North America has honored Sister Patricia Weldon of the Sisters of St. Francis of Clinton for exemplifying “Creative Fidelity in the Church.” She was among Franciscan Sisters and Brothers honored during the federation’s annual conference this past summer. She serves as pastoral director of DeFlores Center at St. Rose of Lima Parish, Chula Vista, Calif.
The Federation said the honorees are Third Order Regular Franciscan Brothers and Sisters within the Church who embody Francis’ and Clare’s witness to creative fidelity, nurture that ecclesial communion of love to which Jesus invites people, embrace the Church with all its ambiguities, and energize and give hope to the doubtful and discouraged.
Sr. Weldon has served in the San Diego Diocese for over 25 years as a teacher and principal in the Catholic schools, as senior services coordinator for Catholic Charities and as director of religious education.
“In her many years of ministry within parish communities,” the Federation noted, “she has worked faithfully and effectively. Whether in parish life, within the Catholic schools or Catholic Charities Services, she has always sought to relate well with clergy, administrative personnel and laity. She speaks the truth in love and thus is able to help church leaders and parish communities to respect and treat all ethnic groups, which comprise these communities, with justice and compassion.”
A native of Chicago, Sr. Weldon holds a B.A. in elementary education from the former Marycrest College, Davenport, and an M.A. in administration from the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind.
