Sr. Mary Stephen, RDC

Principal, Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Elmsford

When I was 13 years old, my father enrolled me at Our Lady of Good Counsel in White Plains. I observed the nuns – Sisters of Divine Compassion – and all that they did, and I deeply admired them. I always wanted to be a teacher, and it was their example that inspired me. I entered the order straight out of high school.

I came to Our Lady of Mount Carmel in 1966 as principal of the school and superior of the convent, which has since closed. At that time, there were five nuns on the faculty and the rest were lay teachers. Since then, there have been many changes. Family life has changed considerably – and tech has come to the forefront of education. I think that we have kept abreast of the changes without compromising our values. Through smart use of the technology, our test results have been outstanding.

I think there’s no greater vocation than education. I would hope that through our education of the children, a legacy of compassion has been transmitted, so when they go into the world and to their workplaces they carry that charism of compassion to everyone they meet. I don’t think there is anything more vital or important in the world today.

The Church wouldn’t be what it is if it weren’t for women. There probably will be more opportunities for women in the Church, and I hope that we’ll be able to serve in whatever capacity we’re qualified for. That’s why we’re here.

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