Franciscan Sister Bernadette Selinsky received this year’s Zanesville, OH lifetime service award. Eight women were recognized in 8 different categories: healthcare, business, etc.
The award Sister Bernadette received is not given out every year. It is the most prestigious of all the awards. It is not in a specific category, but an overall caring, compassionate involvement in the community of Zanesville. It is truly someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Sister Bernadette had this to say about this special honor.
It is very humbling for me to accept this award because I don’t feel I deserve it, and so many other people deserve it but will never get an award. People tell me: “But you have touched SO MANY people’s lives in such a positive way. That’s worth celebrating.” I will accept it with gratitude to God, my family, my religious community and my friends, all of whom have helped me grow to be the woman religious that I am.
Sister Bernadette grew up in Green Bay, WI. She celebrates her 50th anniversary of profession as a Franciscan Sister this year. She began her professional life as a music teacher in 4 states, in 8 different Catholic parishes and has served for 21 years as a chaplain in Zanesville.
Click here to watch local coverage of the event. Sister Bernadette is interviewed at Genesis Healthcare System.