For more than 40 years, Sister Ann Carville, Ph.D., has been concerned about the care of elderly vowed religious, not just in her own congregation but in other religious communities as well. She worked with international and national communities as they planned for the care of their senior members, advising them to take advantage of government programs and to transform their sick and infirm convent areas into hospital care units, hiring caregivers for various levels of care. She now serves as an elder care consultant for the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO).
Her compassionate concern for senior religious and contributions in retirement planning for them has earned her the recognition of the Sisters of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, who recently awarded Sister Ann with the Father Jankola Lifetime Commitment to Servant Leadership Award.
“Your work with your congregation in caring for your elderly sisters has been outstanding and your outreach to other religious congregations as a consultant for the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) has made a difference in the quality of their lives,” said Sister Michael Ann Orlik, SS.C.M., general superior of the Sisters of Sts. Cyril and Methodius. “Your overall involvement in the care of the elderly on all levels is a reminder to us of the Gospel message of Jesus who came to heal us all.”
Sister Ann earned a doctorate degree in philosophy, human and organizational development from The Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara, California. She began consulting with the NRRO after serving as community minister for her own congregation from 2001 to 2007. “I recognize there is much wisdom that is shared when people of all ages come together to talk about the complex issue of aging,” she said. “My goal is to help crystallize their ideas for the future.”
Of her award Sister Ann said “I am deeply honored to receive this wonderful affirmation from a group of dedicated women who are committed to this very same mission of service.”
