SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF MEDAILLE ELECT PRESIDENT AND LEADERSHIP

February 12, 2002, Baton Rouge, Louisiana---

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille have elected Sister Phyllis Manda as the fourth president of the 25-year old American Congregation. The election took place at the group’s General Chapter, the highest governing body of the congregation.

Sister Eleanor Bernstein of Mischawaka, Indiana was elected vice-president and general councilor at the meeting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Two other members of the congregation were elected general councilors: Sister Anne Meridier of New Orleans and Sister Caroline Benken of Cincinnati.

Current leadership of the congregation includes Sister Lucy Silvio, President, and Sister Maria Hill, Vice-President. General Councilors are Sisters Caroline Benken and Mary Ann Farris.

The president and general councilors constitute the order’s major leadership team and will serve a five-year term. They are charged with overseeing the implementation of the decisions of the Chapter in furthering the congregation’s mission of unity and reconciliation in all its works. They will take office on July 1st, 2002.

Sister Phyllis Manda is currently Executive Director of the Sisters of St. Joseph Federation. Sister Eleanor Bernstein until recently has been Director of the Center for Pastoral Liturgy at the University of Notre Dame. Sister Anne Meridier serves as the Director of Formation for the congregation. Sister Caroline Benken is re-elected for a second term.