Joliet Franciscan sisters name 2019 honorees

Traditionally, the Joliet Franciscan Sisters honor individuals and organizations with the Mother Alfred Moes Award and the Joliet Franciscan Heritage Award at the annual Franciscan Autumn Feast.

Named for the Sisters’ foundress, the 2019 Mother Alfred Moes honoree is Rita Travis, visionary and a dreamer.

When she sees a need in the local community or beyond, she is challenged and determined to see that the need is met.

Rita is committed to caring for the earth, its people, and to making the world a healthier place, environmentally, socially, spiritually and educationally.

The 2019 Joliet Franciscan Heritage Award honoree is the Spanish Community Center. Celebrating its 40th year, The Spanish Community Center provides social services to the growing needs of the Spanish speaking population within Joliet.

Over the past 40 years, the Center has evolved from an agency helping only the Hispanic population of Joliet to an agency providing help to the entire community.

The Center’s mission is to provide educational and social services through a broad range of programs and services.

It also provides a place for meetings and other events which contribute to an active and informed community as well as an inclusive, neighborhood center that reaches outside its immediate service area to serve other Spanish speaking residents in need of services.

For more information about the Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast, call 815-725-8735, ext. 116.