Notre Dame Will Honor Dominican Sisters in April 2027
The University of Notre Dame will present the 2027 Evangelium Vitae Medal to the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Catholicism
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The University of Notre Dame will award the 2027 Evangelium Vitae Medal to the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne on April 24, 2027. The order was chosen for their dedicated service to the poor and those suffering from terminal cancer.
Why it matters
The award recognizes the congregation for their long-standing commitment to caring for the impoverished who are nearing the end of their lives. This honor highlights the order's historical mission of mercy and service.
The congregation was originally founded in 1900 and maintains its headquarters in Hawthorne, New York. The 2027 event marks the 16th annual presentation of this specific award.
The players
Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne
This religious congregation provides palliative care for individuals dying from cancer.
University of Notre Dame
This is a private Catholic research university located in South Bend, Indiana.
Mother Mary Alphonsa
She was the founder of the congregation and was declared venerable by the Vatican in 2024.
de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture
This university organization oversees the selection and presentation of the annual award.
Pope Francis
He is the current leader of the Catholic Church who declared the order's founder venerable.
The details
The de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture announced the selection, which will culminate in a formal Mass and dinner held on the South Bend campus. The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne continue a legacy of providing direct, specialized care to individuals dying from cancer.
Timeline
The congregation was founded in 1900.
Mother Mary Alphonsa was declared venerable in 2024.
The award recipient was announced on October 4, 2026.
The award presentation will take place on April 24, 2027.
Culture Shift
The recognition of the Dominican Sisters follows the tradition of the Evangelium Vitae Medal in highlighting individuals and groups committed to the protection of human dignity. This award honors groups that bridge the gap between religious faith and direct, practical social service.
The ceremony will bring visitors to South Bend for the April 24, 2027, event on the University of Notre Dame campus. Residents may experience increased traffic and campus activity during the scheduled dinner and Mass.
The takeaway
The selection of the Dominican Sisters serves as a reminder of the long-term impact of faith-based healthcare missions. Supporting organizations that focus on end-of-life care provides essential comfort to the most vulnerable members of the community.
Further reading
Learn more about local faith-based initiatives at Catholicism.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EWTN News.
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