Sr. Leonard Mary

Sr. Leonard Mary was born into a Catholic family - the third child among seven children. She joined the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on June 15, 1970 after a long fight with her family! She was a teacher when she joined the order, making her first profession in 1973 and her perpetual profession in 1979. 2022 marks the 50th year of relgious life for Sr. Leonard Mary. She thanks God for all the blessings she has received throughout her 50 years of religious life. During her time as a religious sister she has taught in schools, studied in Rome, and taught classes in Formation to Pre-Novices, Novices and Junior Sisters. She has always been engaged in parish ministry such as teaching PSR classes, home visits, sacristy work, and youth ministry. During the nine years Sr. Leonard Mary has been in the US, she's been engaged in pastoral ministry, as well as ministry in prisons (her greatest love), nursing homes, hospitals, cancer centers, and ministry to the homebound.

"As we were beginning our life in Ohio, Fr. William P. Hahn was the Pastor at St. Peter Church [in Chillicothe]. I can never forget his love and concern. May God Bless him. At present, I am in the wonderful parish of Our Lady of Peace, which is flourishing under the leadership of an awesome pastor, Fr. Sean Dooley. Here also, I am helping the pastor in the pastoral ministries. I am very grateful to God for making me an instrument in HIs Mighty Hands to love and serve Him through my humble service as much as I can."

Regarding religious life: "It is a very beautiful life. But it is not very easy. It demands a lot of sacrifices. Only by the grace of God can one persevere in this life. We have to maintain a deep relationship with Jesus through continuous prayer and frequent reception of the Holy Sacraments."

"I am very happy and blessed to be part of the Our Lady of Peace Parish, and I thank Fr. Dooley, the parish staff, and the parishioners for you rlove and concern for us. May God bless you all."

The Almighty has done great things for me and Holy is His Name!