Jennings' resident Sr. Juanita Shealey honored with 2025 Heart of a Servant Award
What an honor to attend the 2025 Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Bishop's Luncheon and witness Jennings' resident Sr. Juanita Shealey, CSJ receive the 2025 Bishop Roger Gries Heart of a Servant Award. "Sr. Juanita is an inspiration," said Allison Salopeck, President and CEO at Jennings. "It is a blessing to bear witness to the #mpact she has had on the lives of so many people."
Sr. Rita Mary Harwood, SND, who is a past recipient of this award, presented the award and spoke of Sr. Juanita's achievements over a career in education and ministry. She has had profound impact, particularly on youth, who she inspires and tells them they are the generation who is going to get it right. Sr. Rita Mary compared Sr. Juanita to the Rosetta stone in the "many ways she has translated God's message for us" and emphasized Sr. Juanita's message to each person: "My dear one, you are beautiful, you are good and God loves you."
Sister Juanita was also a founding member of the National Black Sisters' Conference. Office of Black Catholic Ministries, Diocese of Cleveland Director, Sr. Jane Nesmith, presented Sr. Juanita with a plaque on behalf of the National Black Sisters’ Conference in recognition of her accomplishments. In a video, Sr. Juanita expressed gratitude as a recipient of the award and assured attendees of her prayers.
During his address, Bishop Malesic recognized Sr. Juanita's evangelization and impact. He encouraged the faithful to focus on the paschal mystery as an example for our lives. He spoke about his first pastoral letter and the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. He also provided a state of the Diocese of Cleveland, in which he described robust and diverse services as well as thriving Catholic education.
Congratulations, Sr. Juanita! What a joy to share this special moment with a model of God's love.
#grateful #NeverTooOld #spirituality #inspiration #agingservices #welldeserved #awards #recognition #spirituality
