The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth - Sister Janice Fulmer

Sister Janice Fulmer - Honorary Degree Recipient

Holy Family University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in its 53rd Commencement Ceremony, held on May 18, 2010, bestowed the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters on Sister Janice Fulmer, Superior General of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. The degree is presented to individuals whose contribution to the public good warrants exceptional recognition.

In her comments, Sister Janice referred to Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd, Foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, and reflected on how, because of this woman, Holy Family University came to be. It was Blessed Mary's vision that brought about the Congregation which gbave birth to Holy Family University, and continues top sponsor it to this day.

Sr Janice, Honorary Degree Recipient with Sr Francesca Onley, President of Holy Family University.

Although it is impossible to presume to know exactly what Blessed Frances would think about this university, it seems that she would be very happy to realize that HFU's Mission and core values are rooted in the Mission and values which she established for her Congregation.

Two of the core values of HFU which Sr. Janice highlighted are Family and Respect.

The value of Family arose from the time in which Frances Siedliska lived, when the family as a social unit was becoming more recognized and the Holy Family was put forth by the Catholic Church as the model for families. Frances wanted her sisters, the members of her Congregation, to live together as a family, showing loving care and being deeply interrelated, yet mature separate individuals. She hoped her sisters would be such an example to others.

Sister Janice went on to underscore how, at Holy Family University, she sees an educational community that cares for the individuals, be they students, faculty, staff, or administration. It is a community of diverse individuals who are interrelated. There is an obvious show of care and concern for each person.

The second value, Respect, as evidenced in Frances's Congregation, shows that the sisters, irregardless of age, nationality, family background, respect each other, and despite the diversity, are united as one.

Blessed Frances wanted her sisters to build up the Kingdom of God's love. It seems that the Mission and Core values of Holy Family University evidence her desire very fittingly in an educational institution which not only educates, but seeks inspiration form the life and teaching of Jesus Christ and gives witness to the dignity of each person and the oneness of the human family.

Sister Janice concluded by assuring all present that our Sisters around the world continue to intercede for them, and their families and friends.