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Service to School, Monastery Honored at Vespers Awards
Three members of our Visitation community were honored for their loyal service to Monastery and school. During a special ceremony at the end of the Sisters' evening prayers, the Cor Jesu award was presented to Murray '88 and Charles Gormly P '22 & '25 for their steadfast, faithful presence, offering service to the school with a gentle and humble heart; Eileen Howard was given the Cross of Affiliation as a sign of the Sisters' enduring friendship and gratitude.
"Each [awardee is] a servant leader, so generously sharing of themselves with love, genuine hospitality, and a heartfelt dedication that truly embodies the Visitation spirit," said Visitation President Barbara McGraw Edmondson at the beginning of the Vespers service.
As an alumna, Murray has served on the Alumnae Association Board and is often one of the friendly faces one sees at Reunion check-in, where she offers her time and "infectious hospitality," Barbara noted. As the parent of two Visitation students, Murray also served as the Parent Association volunteer coordinator, ensuring all events that needed parental assistance were well-staffed.
Her husband Charles - who shared that becoming a part of the Visitation family was one of the greatest gifts - served on the Visitation Fathers Club board and held the title of president for the 2023-2024 school year. "Charles is at the ready to support school efforts and to ask others to do the same," said Barbara.
Over the past three years, Murray and Charles together have led the efforts of the annual car raffle at Esprit de Noel, helping to raise more than $225K for Visitation. Walking into the gym during Esprit de Noel, one would see "a cheerful couple inviting you to take a chance on a fabulous new car," Barbara noted.
"Murray and Charles bring enthusiasm and cheer to each activity, both big and small. Their love for the Visitation community abounds in all that they do," she said in her remarks.
Mother Anne-Francis Ng'ang'a, VHM, offered remarks about the Monastery's awardee, Eileen, who has served as a nurse for the Sisters for the past eight years. "Eileen is an outstanding professional at her job, but that is only the beginning of her gifts to the Sisters," said Sr. Anne-Francis, noting how Eileen prays with the Sisters and brings them Communion.
"Her devotion to our shared Catholic faith has been a gift that we could never have imagined," said Sr. Anne-Francis, thanking Eileen. She placed the Cross of Affiliation around Eileen's neck, a close match to the Sisters' own crosses they wear daily.
Congratulations, and thank you to our honorees!