Last month, scores of admirers from 2 churches joined to honor Sister Maureen Fleming.
Sister Maureen Fleming
The occasion was 60 years of religious service. And what service the energetic 79-year-old nun has provided!
First at Assumption, then at St. Luke, Sister Maureen has run many ministries, and all of the funerals.
Her official title is coordinator of pastoral outreach. But she does much, much more.
Nanette Buziak toasted her by saying:
Thank you for enriching our lives in so many ways. You are a good friend and confidante to us all, as we face various points along our spiritual journeys.
From hosting Seder dinners before first communion, to running our Harvest Fair and annual raffle; from leading Mosaics and New Horizons, as well as our parish outreach ministry, you truly live your faith. You exemplify 60 years of religious life better than anyone we know.
She is an advocate for women’s and children’s rights, education and the fight against poverty. As an NGO registered with the United Nations she participates in lectures and conferences dealing with women’s and children’s justice issues, especially human trafficking.
From 1995 to 2005 Sister Maureen was director of Caroline House, the literacy center for immigrant women in Bridgeport that was started by her order.
Two years ago, Fairfield University honored Sister Maureen with an honorary doctorate.
Oh, yeah: She met Pope Francis in Washington, DC. She knows all the good people.
And now Westport knows all about this week’s Unsung Hero.
Sister Maureen one of Westport’s Treasures!
No Measures would suffice.
We are very fortunate to have Sister Maureen at St. Luke. She’s one of the original founders. There have been four pastors, but only one Sister Maureen.
Sister Maureen is one of the best. Her work for women and oppressed women is monumental. Her heart and love for humanity is a gift for all of us. Certainly unsung, but such a precious human being. And how lucky we are to have her with us still.
I met Sister Maureen when I was a young child. She would visit my Great Grandparents home…..she was always so kind and caring to them and my family. So thank you Sister Maureen for always taking the time to stop and check in on my Great Grandparents! And thank you Dan for recognizing her as an Unsung Hero and for letting us know all the wonderful things she has accomplished over the years! She truly is a Saint! I had some idea that she was a force to be reckoned with, in her own gentle way, but I had no idea of how many lives she touched!
God Bless Sister Maureen!
I have known Sister Maureen since my daughter was a child and is now 42. Sister Maureen is always, welcoming, calming and serving the needs of others with grace and intergrity. Keep staying true to yourself and a great inspiration and teacher to all.