The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne have been named recipients of the University of Notre Dame’s 2027 Evangelium Vitae Medal in recognition of more than a century of caring for impoverished and seriously ill people.
Notre Dame’s de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture announced the decision on October 4, describing the sisters’ long-running ministry as a witness to “truth and love” through their service to people who are poor and dying.
The award will be presented to Mother Superior Marie Edward, O.P., during a special Mass and dinner at the university on April 24, 2027.
A Ministry Founded More Than a Century Ago
The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne were established in 1900 by Mother Mary Alphonsa, who was born Rose Hawthorne, the daughter of celebrated American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne.
The congregation is headquartered in Hawthorne, New York, where its sisters continue a specialised ministry focused on caring for impoverished men and women who are dying from cancer.
Their work has remained centred on providing care and support to people facing serious illness, particularly those who may otherwise have limited resources or support.
Notre Dame Praises the Sisters’ Service
Notre Dame President Father Robert Dowd, CSC, praised the congregation for embodying Christian compassion through its work with vulnerable people.
He said the sisters “radiate the very mercy of God” through their ministry.
Dowd said their service has proclaimed the Gospel of Life by directly caring for poor people, comforting the sick and providing shelter for those without homes.
He also highlighted the sisters’ emphasis on the dignity of every human being, regardless of financial circumstances, social standing or worldly achievements.
Ethics Center Calls Them an Example of Christian Charity
Jennifer Newsome Martin, director of Notre Dame’s de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture, similarly praised the congregation.
Martin described the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne as “a shining example of Christian charity in action.”
The centre’s decision recognises not only the longevity of the sisters’ ministry but also the way their work puts principles surrounding the dignity and protection of human life into practice.
Award Linked to John Paul II’s Evangelium Vitae
The Evangelium Vitae Medal is presented annually by Notre Dame on Respect Life Sunday.
The award takes its name from Evangelium Vitae, the landmark 1995 encyclical issued by Pope St. John Paul II.
The document reflects extensively on the inherent dignity of human life and the responsibility to protect and care for people who are especially vulnerable.
Notre Dame’s annual medal is therefore closely connected to the Catholic Church’s broader emphasis on defending human dignity and serving those in need.
Mother Mary Alphonsa’s Legacy Continues
The congregation’s founder, Mother Mary Alphonsa, died in 1926 and was buried at Rosary Hill Home, located at the sisters’ headquarters in Hawthorne.
Her legacy has received renewed attention in recent years. Pope Francis declared her venerable in 2024, marking an important stage in the Church’s process of recognising her life and spiritual example.
Born Rose Hawthorne, she turned from her literary family background toward a life dedicated to serving people suffering from cancer and living in poverty.
Sixteenth Presentation of the Medal
The 2027 award will mark the 16th annual presentation of the Evangelium Vitae Medal by Notre Dame’s de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture.
The ceremony will bring together the university community and supporters of the sisters’ ministry for a Mass and dinner celebrating their contribution to Catholic service.
By selecting the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, Notre Dame is placing particular emphasis on a ministry that has spent generations caring for people at one of the most vulnerable stages of life.
A Century-Long Commitment to the Vulnerable
For more than 120 years, the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne have maintained a mission focused on people facing poverty, serious illness and death.
Their recognition by Notre Dame highlights how their practical ministry reflects broader Catholic teachings about compassion, human dignity and the value of every life.
The 2027 Evangelium Vitae Medal will formally honour that legacy when Mother Superior Marie Edward receives the award in April.
