Mary Louise “Shawn Maria” Walsh
“…To act justly, love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God.”
-Micah 6:8
Born in Worchester, Mass, into an Irish Catholic family, Mary Lou had three older brothers. Her mother chose a Notre Dame school for her children because she heard that they had the best teachers and Mary Lou fondly remembers the wonderful teachers.
Mary Lou dreamt of a career in nursing, but also thought becoming a Sister was something she had to try first. As she recollects, “God works in mysterious ways!” She entered the SNDdeN in August 1961.
Sister Mary Lou’s various ministries included teaching, parish ministry, pastoral ministry and serving as canon lawyer. All her ministries were a wonderful gift, though she admits her work as lawyer was painful at times, particularly in the abuse cases. Though retired, Sister still does some legal work for the diocese.
She is grateful for her life, vocation, and everything that’s new and challenging.