Sr. Grace Malonzo Celebrates 70th Jubilee

Sr. Grace Malonzo, DW

It's Jubilee Week for the Daughters of Wisdom!

Today, we celebrate Sister Christina Grace Malonzo, DW, as she marks her 70th Jubilee this year at the age of 90 (Sister Grace of Our Lady, February 2, 1955). This event is part of our annual tradition of honoring our Jubilarians and recognizing their many years of dedicated service.

Sister Grace has long been known for her kind, gentle, and peaceful spirit. Honored for her years of humanitarian work, particularly for her efforts in helping shut-ins and the poor in the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, in 2015, Mayor Kenny Wright and the Portsmouth Catholic Regional School proclaimed January 9th as "Sister Grace Malonzo's Service Appreciation Day."

Sister Grace, a nurse by profession, discovered her passion for missionary work early on and served in Malawi, Central East Africa, Haiti, and the Philippines. Taking care of others was always in her heart, and beginning with her volunteer work at age 15, she graduated from Maryview School of Nursing and later worked there and at the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, VA. In later years, she earned certification through the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and was asked to join the Pastoral Care Department at Maryview (Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center). Chaplain Richard Chasse, the director of the department, noted that Sister Grace brought a "presence of calm and serenity to the staff." She was the last Daughter of Wisdom to work at the hospital before her retirement at age 69.

A dynamic duo of the south, Sr. Grace served alongside Sr. Margaret McCabe for many years with the Tidewater Sowers of Justice organization, promoting social and ecological justice causes in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.

Sister dedicated many years to serving on the Vocation Committee of the Daughters of Wisdom.

Thank you, Sr. Grace, and Congratulations on your 70th Anniversary!

Please browse some never-before-seen photos that Sr. Grace has selected to share from over the years, along with some additional ones we have included.