Many Wheeling Jesuit University students and faculty take part in service projects each year with Marist Sister Constance Dodd, director of the Catholic Neighborhood Center in Wheeling, who was named recently as a recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal by Pope Benedict XVI in recognition of her dedication to the care of the poor in Wheeling.

The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal is presented on behalf of the Church and the Papacy and is the highest award a non-cleric can receive.

“As a Marist Sister committed to serving the poor, I am deeply honored to be the recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal. I accept this recognition in a spirit of the commandment of Jesus: to love God and to love neighbor, especially those most in need,” says Sister Dodd. “Most of all I am proud to accept this honor in the name of the Catholic Neighborhood Center. The honor truly belongs t our staff, our volunteers, our benefactors and the poor Yahweh who grace us by their presence.”

Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Bishop Michael J. Bransfield nominated Sister Dodd for this honor because of her service to the less fortunate of Wheeling through her leader at the Catholic Neighborhood Center and because she dedicated her life to this ministry. He will present the medal to Sister Constance during a December 10th Mass that he will celebrate at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling.

Sister Dodd has maintained a close-relationship with the University’s students and staff, says President Joseph R. Hacala, S.J. Many of our students and faculty work in service with her.

“This award is very fitting for Sister Dodd who has extended herself to the poor in a unique and very special way. The award is rooted at the heart and theology living out the great commandment of loving God and neighbor,” says Fr. Hacala.

Fr. Hacala notes that few people have lived the mission of Jesus as authentically as Sister Dodd.

“She does that because her life is rooted in prayer, her relations ship with God and with others. Her own needs and desires are very secondary as she lives out the Gospel,” says Fr. Hacala.

The University bestowed an honorary degree on her in recent years because of her mission and values to serve the poor of this region.

“Our students, faculty and members of the community are the ones who are blessed by the service,” says Fr. Hacala.