WASHINGTON (April 21, 1997) — Following is the statement of Bishop Joseph A. Galante, Chairman, Bishops' Committee on Religious Life and Ministry, on the death of Sister Margaret Cafferty, PBVM, executive director of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, who died April 20, 1997.

Sister Margaret Cafferty stood as an extraordinary religious woman who gave herself tirelessly not only for her order, the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all others Sisters in this country, but for the entire Church.

Sister Margaret showed a deep love for the Church in all that she did and well represented U.S. women religious in Rome, Washington and throughout the world. She brought prayerfulness and scholarship to all her endeavors and generated excitement about the possibilities always before us as followers of Jesus.

She labored so that the rich diversity that exists among women and men religious always would be respected. She also exemplified a spirit of cooperation with Bishops and other Church leaders and was admired and appreciated by them.

It seems that she has been taken from our midst too soon, though one feels assured that all of us who were so honored to know her will sense her advocacy for us from heaven.

Bishop Joseph A. Galante of Beaumont (TX)
April 21, 1997

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