Sister Mary Frances Cannon is devoted to bringing hope to people in a world that is often times clouded by darkness. “Our world is in need of peace and mercy, and that is what I try to bring,” she says.

For her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place, Sister Mary Francis received the honor of 2017 Woman Religious of the Year from the South Carolina Council of Catholic Women during their annual convention in Columbia March 25. Sister Mary Frances serves as pastoral associate at St. Mary of the Angels Church in Anderson, where she has worked since 2010. She also serves as director of religious education at the parish, preparing students for confirmation and leading Bible studies for women.

Her ministry extends into the community as well. She is a board member for Anderson County Emergency Soup Kitchen and volunteers at Clean Start, a local program that offers laundry services, haircuts, and showers for those who are homeless. Sister Mary Frances also brings the Eucharist to men and women held at the Anderson City Jail and serves as a chaplain for local hospitals and hospice programs.

A native of Spartanburg, she professed her perpetual vows with the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities in 2006. She taught for three years at St. Anthony of Padua School in Greenville and has also been a leader in the Cursillo movement, a method focusing on training lay people to become effective leaders in the parish.

“It is such a privilege to do what I am doing,” Sister Mary Frances said after receiving the award. “I love working with the poor, I love working in my parish and I love the ministry to people at the jail.” May God continue to bless Sister Mary Frances as she sows the seeds of God’s love in the hearts of humankind.

Excerpted from The Catholic Miscellany