Mercy Peace Medal Awarded



Joann Dalessandro and Sister Peter Damian


Watchung, NJ,December 9, 2002—Each year the Sisters of Mercy sponsor a Mercy Peace Award in communities where Sisters of Mercy or Mercy Associates are involved. Sister M. Peter Damian Mitchell announced that this year the medal was awarded at the Altar-Rosary Communion Breakfast on Oct. 6 to Mrs. Joann Dalessandro, a member of St. Paul Parish, Burlington.

Pax misericordia — which in Latin means peace with a merciful heart — seeks to recognize those who live their lives as peacemakers. Individuals who receive the medal display a calm and positive attitude. They reach out and cooperate with others, share their talents willingly, and are service-oriented. They live their lives according to the Gospel, and are a welcoming presence to all.

Sister Peter Damian remarked, "Joann Dalessandro is just such a person. She is patient, kind, gentle-spirited, and loving in a way that reflects how Jesus loves. Just as with Jesus, prayer is an important part of Joann’s life. Everything she does is a prayer. From early morning to going to rest at night, her approach to everything and everybody is prayerful, even to those who would otherwise reject it"

For those who have known Joann for the past 25 plus years, they have come to know her by her priorities: God, Family, Work, and Community. When possible, she juggles all four through her dedication and service to her parish as an active member of the PTA, participating in every school event where help is needed, or as an eucharistic minister, or as a RENEW small group organizer and team leader.

Additionally, Joann and her husband Mike have supported couples through Marriage Encounter, and as a Logistics Family helping other families through the Camden Diocese Family Discovery. In her community she has helped neighbors who otherwise couldn’t help themselves.

Sister Peter Damian concluded, "Joann reflects Christ’s love and peace and this has made her an excellent recipient of this year’s award. She is a shining example of what Saint Francis was talking about when he said, ‘Go everywhere and preach the gospel and when necessary use words’."

For more information, please contact Sr. Mary Geis, RSM at 908-756-0994 x 4018.