- June 30, 2026 Ecojustice, Sister Stories
Sister Maureen Freeman was among four former directors of White Violet Center for Eco-Justice (WVC) recognized at the center's 26th Earth Day Festival on April 18, each receiving the newly established Laudato Sí Award.
S. Maureen served as the second director of White Violet Center, which was founded in 1996 as a ministry of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. During her tenure, she expanded the center's fiber industry, introduced chickens to the farm, and developed a business plan to strengthen the center's long-term sustainability.
General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, SP highlighted the significance of S. Maureen's contributions, noting that she built meaningfully on the foundational work of the center's founder, Sister Ann Sullivan, SP. Together, Sisters Ann and Maureen also served on the committee that crafted a land ethic to guide decision-making around land care, product use and recycling on the campus.
The Laudato Sí Award, established this year at the suggestion of the Climate Crisis Task Force, was created to "acknowledge and honor those who live this calling of care for creation with extraordinary faithfulness, who embody this vision through action, leadership and hope," according to S. Dawn. Named for Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical on care for creation, the award recognizes individuals whose work reflects a lived commitment to ecological stewardship, solidarity and environmental justice rooted in Providence Spirituality. Going forward, it will be presented annually at the Earth Day Festival at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
Each of the four honorees received a certificate of appreciation during the ceremony. In addition, the Sisters of Providence had a tree planted on the grounds of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in honor of each awardee — a fitting tribute rooted in the very spirit of care for creation the award celebrates.