2009 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Program - Elizabeth Seton ...

Dear Friends and Guests,
Today we have the happiness of honoring four valiant women as we induct them into
Elizabeth Seton High School’s Hall of Fame. These four women mirror many aspects of the
holiness of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton herself by the way they live their lives and by their service
to others.
Sr. Marguerite Butler is a woman of principle who has deep convictions about life, right from
wrong, and integrity. Hers is a spirit that is constant, sincere, and strong. Those who know her
well know also her compassion. If she knows that you are suffering, she is right there, tears
and all. She echoes the words of Elizabeth Seton, “to think justly on human life and to see
things as they are, should be our main object.”
Candy Cage is a woman of truth. In our times, we might say, “What you see is what you get.”
She has no guile, no duplicity, and no insincerity. Coupled with her honesty is her humility.
She does not seek her own praise or adulation. Rather, she strives to uplift and affirm others.
Elizabeth Seton’s words, “Devotion must carry the torch and open the door to all our actions,”
aptly apply to Candy.
Maureen Johnson is a woman of strength. Her independence, her sense of adventure, and
her diverse talents are hallmarks of her courage and confidence. Maureen has never known
an enemy because she has always been too magnanimous to let the faults of others diminish
her spirit. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s words, “Eternity: think of it when you are hard pushed.
Pray and praise; bless and adore forever,” are now Maureen’s words to all of us.
Clara Kircher is a woman of faith whose trust in God far surpassed the adversity she encountered
in the trials of life. Her response to suffering is perseverance. Her response to disappointment
is hope. Her response to pain is love. With the grace of God, she has always lived
a life of sacrifice and service, generosity and goodness, virtue and victory. She reflects
Elizabeth Seton’s words, “Faith lifts the staggering soul on one side. Hope supports it on the
other; Experience says it must be – love says let it be.”
The lives of these four women can be woven into a daily prayer for us, “Lord, make me a
woman of principle, a woman of truth, a woman of strength, a woman of faith. Mold my life
into that of a valiant woman. Keep from it anything that would be small when viewed in the
light of eternity.
Thank you, Sr. Marguerite, Candy, Maureen, and Clara for imaging St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in
the vocations you live. Through your example and hers, may we learn to express our love for
you in our love for others.
Sister Ellen Marie
President