Jubilee Gift Inspires First Books for Children at St. Francis International School

Here’s a story of an inspiring “Pay it Forward” that grew out of the recent Jubilee Celebration in August.

Sr. Marie Chiodo shares how a donation made in honor of Sr. Rosemary Connelly became a special "first" gift for 16 children. Sr. Marie wrote, “Sr. Rosemary Connelly's dedication to children's education lives on through her Jubilee celebration. In her honor, a donation was made so 16 students could receive a book to take home. For the first time, these elementary school students from low-income families would own their own book.

The second grader pictured here loved fairy tales, especially Little Red Riding Hood. Upon receiving the book, she immediately sat down and started reading aloud. Imagine her delight to receive a copy of Grimm's Fairy Tales to bring home.”

Books in both English and Spanish were gifted to St. Francis International School in Silver Spring, Maryland, which serves a large immigrant community. Sr. Rosemary expressed heartfelt gratitude for this "gift of books," noting how valuable they are to the children. Sr. Marie added, “Jubilees are moments in time that reflect a life of loving service. Rosemary, your jubilee lives on!!”