CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — For her 103rd birthday, Loyola University renamed its CTA plaza for Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the famous nun known affectionately as “Sister Jean.”
Standing in the new Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt Plaza, Loyola’s President Jo Ann Rooney said the celebration is about more than just one day.
“By your special words, kind smile, and innate ability to be fully present to everyone you meet — transcends and touches lives every day,” Rooney said.
Schmidt said she was feeling very fine on her birthday.
“Well perhaps I had get better prepared to get to heaven,” Schmidt said. “I’m having so much fun now, I better do a little more praying.”
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov. J.B. Pritzker were there to honor the nun, who became an international sensation during Loyola’s 2018 trip to the NCAA basketball Final Four.
“You’ve been a steady beacon of grace, and of compassion,” Pritzker said.
In a strong but quiet voice, Schmidt thanked members of her order, the Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as university staff and politicians for celebrating her birthday with her.
“As I looked at the group today, I thought to myself, ‘Some way, you fit into each of some prayer that I say every morning’” Schmidt said.
Lightfoot called Schmidt a bright light on the Loyola campus.
“Sister Jean has lived these values of purpose and presence throughout her life,” Lightfoot said.
Schmidt said COVID has made her appreciate time together more. She added that she sees good things coming out of the pandemic, such as people being more kind and thoughtful with one another.
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