Laetare Medal 2023: Sister Rosemary Connelly, RSM

In honor of her vision and her compassionate work with the residents of Misericordia for the last 54 years, Sister Rosemary is being awarded the University of Notre Dame’s 2023 Laetare Medal, considered the oldest and most prestigious honor given to American Catholics.

Established in 1883, the Laetare Medal was conceived as an American counterpart of the Golden Rose, a papal honor that antedates the 11th century. Past Laetare recipients include President John F. Kennedy, Catholic Worker founder Dorothy Day, novelist Walker Percy, Vice President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House John Boehner.