Finding My Place Among Women of Courage

A Reflection by Maureen Peccolo, AND

Associate Maureen Peccolo with Sisters Kathryn Keenan and Gillian Wallace, SNDdeN.

Being an Associate of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur is a special and meaningful highlight of my life. My love for St. Julie Billiart started at an early age when the Sisters taught me in elementary school, and that relationship continued throughout college. Now, I work among the Sisters who live at the Province Center in Belmont, California, and have the unique opportunity to experience, on a deeper spiritual level, the charism of St. Julie. For a long time, I felt St. Julie was whispering through the Sisters, Associates and several family members and friends who subtly suggested or even directly asked me to be an Associate at key moments in my life. Prayerful reflection and discernment led me to join in June 2022. Throughout the years, the Sisters who have touched my life are far too numerous to name. I would like to thank Sister Pat Hutchinson, SNDdeN, my former history professor at Notre Dame de Namur University, and most profoundly,

Associate Maureen Peccolo with Sister Roseanne Murphy, SNDdeN and Catherine Rossi.

Associate Maureen Peccolo with Sister Roseanne Murphy, SNDdeN and Catherine Rossi. Sister Roseanne Murphy, SNDdeN, whose cherished relationship with my family spans over four decades. I am honored that Sister Roseanne was my companion and sponsor during the Association discernment period.

The journey to Association with the Sisters and Associates has been a blessing and an intimate process, solidifying my belief that I am part of a religious community and association that includes brilliant “women of courage,” as eloquently referenced in Sister Roseanne’s book about St. Julie.

It is both a gift and a tremendous blessing to make this commitment and join in the charism of St. Julie Billiart and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

This story appears in the Winter 2025 edition of Sowing Goodness, and you can read all of our past issues here.