Sister Anne Stevenson, SNDdeN was the fourth of six daughters in a tight-knit Irish-American family in Newton, Massachusetts. Her mother passed away unexpectedly while Sister Anne was still young and “the six Stevenson girls,” as they were lovingly known, became inseparable, leaning on each other and their Dad for support during this challenging time.
The young Sister Anne first met the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur at St. Bernard’s School in West Newton, Massachusetts. She was attracted and inspired by the Sisters. “I saw who they were,” she reflects, “they were the most humane, the most loving people.” The bonds between the Sisters, always joyful and laughing with each other, reminded Sister Anne of her bonds with her siblings. Sister Anne tried to play off the appeal religious life had on her – she would jest that she was planning to get married and have ten children! Meanwhile, however, the call came to her; she shares, "The call came strong and clear, wherever I heard it."
Sister Anne began her ministry teaching the first grade at St. Teresa’s School in Providence, Rhode Island. She fondly recalls her first days in the classroom, suddenly faced with 60 bright-eyed children eager to learn. Sister Anne went on to enjoy a long and varied journey of service, working in ministries, including all levels in education and administration, leadership, and directing the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur’s international communications.
“I can’t pick a favorite ministry,” Sister Anne shares, “each one, and every connection, was a stepping stone building to the next one.” She served for 17 years as a professor of French at Emmanuel College in Boston. While she taught at Emmanuel, she was asked to serve as Superior of the Sisters in Woburn, Massachusetts, where she made many deep friendships. In 1979, she was elected to serve on the Provincial Council Leadership, and was then elected as Provincial for two terms, in 1982 – 1988. Currently, she serves internationally as the Director of Communications for the Congregation.
Sister Anne values education. She received an AB in French Language and Literature from Emmanuel College, a master's degree from Harvard University, and a doctorate from Boston College in Romance Languages and Literatures.
Looking back at her life of service, Sister Anne is particularly grateful for her family, her strong Catholic roots, the different calls she has experienced throughout her life, and the communities where she has lived and served, as well as her extensive education. “Each community had such a special meaning in my human and spiritual growth,” she shares. “Each ministry got better and better, and built on my learnings, gifts, education, previous challenges and experiences.”
She draws hope for our world from the Church and Pope Francis. The Pope’s encyclicals, Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, inspire her. She is thankful to God for her friends, co-workers, students, and special Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.