St Patrick’s Pontifical University confers theology doctorate on Sr Orla Treacy

On Saturday 27 September, Archbishop Eamon Martin, Chancellor of St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth, conferred an honorary Doctorate in Theology on Sister Orla Treacy IBVM in recognition of her significant contribution to education, social justice and women’s rights across the world.

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Chancellor of SPPU conferring an Honorary Doctorate in Theology on Sister Orla Treacy.

Sister Orla was born in Carlow, spent time in Dundalk, Ennis and Cork, before moving to Bray where her family remain. She is a member of the congregation of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), also known as the Loreto Sisters. In 2006, she became a Sudan Relief Fund partner establishing a girls-only boarding school in Rumbek, South Sudan, for at-risk girls who would otherwise be denied an education.

Moved by the plight of girls and young women who are forced into early marriage, Sister Orla has dedicated her life to protecting human rights in a geo-political context of extreme danger. In 2017, Sr Orla was awarded The Hugh O’Flaherty International Humanitarian Award by the Mayor of Killarney and, in 2021, she received the Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad by President Micheal D Higgins. In addition, Sister Orla is a recipient of the 2019 US State Department International Women of Courage Awards, ‘which recognises women around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerments, often at a great personal risk and sacrifice’.

During the ceremony Archbishop Martin said, “Sister Orla, we thank God for all that you, and your community are doing in South Sudan to bring faith, hope and love into our our world - a world that too often appears faithless, hopeless and ‘love-less.’ God is working through you. And you have generously answered God’s call to bring your many gifts to making a real difference - your gifts of leadership, courage, and perseverance; your positivity and joy. You carry the light and compassion of Christ to the peripheries. Thank you for all that you are - and all that you do - by the grace of God. You’re an inspiration!''

“In awarding you this honorary doctorate we also want to recognise the many collaborators who assist you in South Sudan. In the midst of so much violence, destruction, suspicion and recrimination, your team helps to build what Pope Saint John Paul II called, ‘a civilisation of love.’ You seek to highlight the dignity and the vocation of every person, especially that of girls and women, in the midst of a culture that often thinks differently. That is why your school in Rumbeck is a beacon of hope. You go where others have been reluctant to go before, and you are leaving a path behind for others to follow. To that end, Sister Orla, your work is prophetic. You plant seeds of hope that one day will flourish. Despite being surrounded by suffering, you inspire your students to believe in themselves, to dream, to heal divisions and to give back to their communities knowing that: “Cruci dum spiro fido”- In the cross, while I breathe, I trust.

In honouring you today, here at Saint Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth, we are very conscious that you are following in the footsteps of the long line of Loreto sisters who have made an immense contribution to the lives and hopes so many girls and women here in Ireland, and beyond. Sister Mary Ward, Sister Teresa Ball must praise and thank God for all that you, and countless Irish Loreto sisters, have achieved, and continue to do achieve around the world, especially in the work of education, social justice, and inspiring faith, hope and love.” Archbishop Martin concluded, “May Mary, the Queen of Angels, protect and guide your ongoing endeavours for the greater glory of God. Congratulations, Dr Orla. May God continue to give success to the work of your hands.”

Rev Dr Michael Shortall, Interim President, Sr Orla Treacy, Archbishop Eamon Martin, Chancellor, Rev Dr John Paul Sheridan, Faculty.

Rev Dr Michael Shortall, SPPU Interim President commented, “In a world where the dignity and rights of women and girls are denied on a daily basis, Sister Orla has dedicated her life to the promotion of the message of the Gospel through justice in the world. This honorary doctorate awarded by St Patrick’s Pontifical University recognises Sister Orla’s life-long service and ministry, and indeed the work of so many religious sisters operating in contexts of violence, often unnoticed.

We at St Patrick’s Pontifical University are delighted today to highlight the tremendous achievements of Sister Orla and to give recognition to women’s educational rights across the world. These are concerns also shared by the College and we are greatly encouraged by the work of Sister Orla and other women religious working in high-risk areas, and their commitment to education that advances justice and the common good.”

Sister Orla was joined on her conferral day by friends, family and sisters and members of the Loreto community.

A selection of more images from the day: