Illinois nun, 'Sis Ann,' wins top missionary honor for urban ministry

Published: 2004-08-23

CHICAGO (CNS) -- Some people think of her as the Easter Bunny or "cookie lady," while others think of her as the Mother Teresa of impoverished East St. Louis. But everyone agrees that Sister Ann Connolly -- "Sis Ann" -- for the last 20 years has been a ray of hope for anyone in need of her urban ministry in the Diocese of Belleville. Sister Ann, from Assumption, has been a fixture at Catholic Urban Programs in East St. Louis for more than two decades. The agency provides food, clothing, shelter and guidance to everyone who shows up at its door -- the homeless, drug users and pushers, prostitutes, alcoholics, abused children, the elderly, runaway teens, gang members and the sick and dying. Sister Ann has welcomed everyone. A member of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, Sister Ann is the 2004 recipient of the Lumen Christi Award, a national award presented by Chicago-based Catholic Extension for outstanding missionary work in America. Bishop William R. Houck, president of Catholic Extension, will present the award to Sister Ann Sept. 23 at a Mass and dinner in her honor in the Diocese of Belleville. The honor also includes gifts of $10,000 to Sister Ann and $25,000 to her diocese.

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