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ATLANTA--The 1999 Marguerite D’Youville Award was presented to Frances
Nichols, a parishioner of St. Jude the Apostle Church, Oct. 9.
The award is given annually to a person or group who exemplifies the charism
of St. Marguerite D’Youville, the foundress of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred
Heart. St. Marguerite was a young woman of Montreal in the early 1700s who
dealt with the realities of life, raised her children and cared for all those
she met. Possessing a great devotion to God, St. Marguerite responded to the
needs of the day, oblivious to the cost to her or to her reputation. Her
giftedness and focus did not go unobserved by those around her. Some were
attracted to her goodness and ministered with her. This group became known as
the Grey Nuns. St. Marguerite’s outstretched arms were her hallmark and
she was canonized as the mother of universal charity in 1990.
Nichols received the Marguerite D’Youville Award for her many acts of
charity. In the early 1970s, she became aware of the needs of those who were
unable to pick up government food and she and her family began taking food to
them. Upon hearing of someone being evicted, she and her husband called upon
their friends at work and church to join in helping the family. News spread of
Nichols’ acts of kindness and people began approaching her for help. She
and her family, with the help of others, have continued to serve others since
that time. While continuing to be a loving support to her own children, Nichols
has also continued to be a loving support to those in need in Atlanta as well
as the needy in Appalachia. In addition, Nichols has literally shared her
“daily bread” with many that have been nourished by the delicious
bread she bakes. She has invited others to open their hearts to those in need
and has shown them the way.
The award, a plaque with a metal bust of St. Marguerite, is given each year
by the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart who serve in the archdiocese. The
presentation was made at St. Jude Church at morning Mass.
Former recipients of the award include Eleanor O’Connor of Immaculate
Heart of Mary Church, Atlanta; Marguerite Oberg of the Cathedral of Christ the
King, Atlanta; Jolaine Kingery of IHM; Dorothy Miller of Holy Cross Church,
Atlanta; Tony Miralles of St. Jude; and the parishioners of St. Marguerite
D’Youville Church in Lawrenceville.
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