Since 1988, Sister Maryadele Robinson has been bettering the lives of many in the Boston area through her work as executive director of the Labouré Center. In recognition of her many efforts, she was honored at the 13th annual UMass Boston Community Breakfast, March 16, with the Robert H. Quinn Award for Outstanding Community Service.
Sister Maryadele, told the audience of political, business,
university and community leaders that while many leave for a job
every day, she and her fellow sisters pursue their mission of serving
others.
"In some ways, it is very difficult for a sister to accept reward for
something we are committed to," she said. "Although our work is
challenging and very, very hard, we do it with great joy and
commitment. In that way, I think I have the greatest job in the world
because I get to work with others to change people's lives."
Over the past 11 years, that work has included providing a day-care
center for children and creating an innovative elder-day-care
program. She has overseen the creation of new youth programs and has
ensured the center provides essential services and clinics to those
such as elders and young children.
Sister Maryadele told those gathered that every day she sees elders
for whom the Labouré Center represents their only family and
support, teens struggling for reasons to stay alive, and children who
in their young lives have already seen much violence and hardship.
"On their behalf, I accept this award," she said.
The Labouré Center, located in South Boston, is supported by
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston. Catholic Charities
is a social service agency, designed to meet the needs of the poor.
It serves more than 167,000 people annually.
During his remarks, University of Massachusetts President William
Bulger called Sister Maryadele an inspiration, saying that while many
can say what they believe to be right, she and those at Laboure
Center put into action what remain as just words for so many others.
"What does inspire?" he asked rhetorically. "Example. This is what
you give to us," he said to Sister Maryadele. "You dedicate yourself
totally to serving people that will never be able to thank you."
The Quinn award, which is presented each year at the UMass Boston
Community Breakfast, is named for Robert H. Quinn, a Dorchester
native and former member of the state's House of Representatives. As
a legislator, Quinn co-sponsored the bill that created the University
of Massachusetts Boston. The award is presented annually to someone
living or working in the Greater Boston.
In the words of UMass Boston Chancellor Sherry Penney, "The spirit of
this award is to recognize, honor and encourage community service.
And no where does this spirit shine more brightly than in the work of
this year's recipient, Sister Maryadele Robinson."
In presenting the award to Sister Maryadele, Robert Quinn said, "I'm
thrilled to present this award, which honors me because my name is on
it, to someone who rises so high above the person whose name is on
it."
In concluding her remarks, Sister Maryadele praised the support of
her staff at Labouré Center and Catholic Charities.
She then offered a reflection that perhaps best explains the value of
a good deed and the value in recognizing such deeds.
"There is not one single kind word, one generous gift, one good act
that does not go unrecognized by someone or unnoticed by God," she
said. "It never ends; someone is touched by what is done or someone
sees what is done and is inspired by it."