BVM Joan Fitzgerald Honored With Medal From Pope Francis

Xavier junior, Jayne Jones and BVM Joan Fitzgerald. Photo credit: Lisa Zuba

Pope Francis has awarded Sister Joan Fitzgerald, BVM, president of Xavier College Preparatory, the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal, (“For Church and Pope”) one of the highest honors the Holy Father can award to laity and religious. Sr. Joan was presented with the medal at an all-school  Mass celebrated by Bishop John P. Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix. Nearly 1,200 students, faculty, and staff gave Sr. Joan a standing ovation.

Last year Bishop Dolan petitioned the pope, asking him to consider granting the medal to Sr. Joan in recognition for her leadership and many  years of service. The medal was being given to Sr. Joan “in recognition for her faithful service to the Church in Catholic education, which she has carried out with distinction for over 63 years, of which 60 years have been served in the Diocese of Phoenix,” said Dr. Maria Chavira, chancellor and vice moderator of the curia.

Dominic Salce, superintendent of Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools, called Sr. Joan a force of nature. Her devotion to the students, her  dedication to making sure they become disciples of Christ and seeking excellence in their education is outstanding.” Salce also mentioned how  Sr. Joan started as a Spanish teacher at Xavier and “worked her way up through the ranks, presiding over the growth of the school and the  addition of new buildings.”

Joan who recently celebrated her 60th anniversary at Xavier, was principal from 1974 through 2016. Since then she serves as Xavier’s first  president. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Mundelein College in Chicago, Illinois, and a Master of Arts from Arizona State University. Xavier’s Principal, Sister Joan Nuckols, BVM said, “Sister Joan is the cornerstone of Xavier. For the last sixty years, she has pioneered the growth  of the school in its academics, activities, sports, campus, and most importantly, its spiritual life. She has positively influenced the lives of  thousands of students along with so many in the Phoenix community.

Joan has received many honors throughout her tenure, including being named one of Phoenix Business Journal’s Most Admired Leaders for  2020; the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for Leadership to Diocesan Schools; the Ministry Award from the Diocese of Phoenix; and the National  Catholic Education Association’s Secondary Education Award.