‘An immense blessing’: Sister Jeannine Gramick’s work as an LGBTQ+ advocate

The Loretto Community honors Loretto Sister Jeannine Gramick. Originally from Philadelphia Jeannine moved to Baltimore in 1960 to join the School Sisters of Notre Dame. She was an associate professor of mathematics at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland in the early 1970s. While engaged in study for her doctoral degree at the University of Pennsylvania, Jeannine became friends with a gay man and began a Church ministry to LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender, Queer/Questioning, plus) people. Jeannine became a Sister of Loretto in 2001.

Jeannine’s theology is Loretto’s theology: God loves all persons, regardless of one’s sexual and gender identity, and that the Catholic Church and all must welcome LGBTQ+ persons with compassion and love. She has conducted spiritual retreats for LGBTQ+  people, their parents, families and friends. She co-founded New Ways Ministry, a Catholic social justice center working for the reconciliation of LGBTQ+ people and the Church. Jeannine has traveled throughout the English-speaking world to address groups about sexual identity. 

Of her ministry, Jeannine shares, “Working as an LGBTQ+ advocate has been an immense blessing. I hope I have been a conduit of God’s immense love for all the people I have met; for they have truly filled my life with happiness and a deep sense of meaning.”

Jeannine has written and edited numerous articles and books. Many groups have recognized her work in this pioneer ministry. She received the 2005 Peace Prize from the Santa Claus Foundation in Turkey for her work with sexual minorities. She was named a 2006 Laureate of the International Mother Teresa Awards for her role as a human rights activist. Jeannine’s friendship with Pope Francis is legendary. Pope Francis’s openness to the gay community has been widely recorded. 

Loretto supports Jeannine and thanks her for opening all our eyes to the rights and gifts of the LGBTQ+ community. This week on our socials, we will feature Jeannine’s ministry and good work.