Jeni Stepanek Named 2011 Peacemaker of the Year
Jeni and Mattie Stepanek
Join Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore for a prayerful and celebratory evening of peace and remembrance. We will gather to honor the six Jesuits of Central American University, their housekeeper, and her daughter, who were brutally assassinated by Salvadoran soldiers on the night of November 16, 1989. We will start with Mass at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 13, 2011 at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Arlington, VA (2700 South 19th Street), celebrated by Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace Rev. Joe Nangle, OFM, with music by the Our Lady Queen of Peace Young Adult Choir. Following the Mass, we will hold our annual Peacemaker of the Year Award Dinner in Father Ray Hall. Our special guest and 2011 award recipient will be Jeni Stepanek, award-winning speaker, New York Times Bestseller author, and peace advocate. Space for dinner (not Mass) is limited. Reserve now! Contact Jack McHale at jjmchale@verizon.net or 703-772-0635 for dinner reservations. Suggested dinner donation is $25.
About Jeni Stepanek
Jeni Stepanek, Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation, devoted to carrying on the work of her son, the late bestselling poet and peace advocate, Mattie J.T. Stepanek (see www.mattieonline.com). The author of Messenger: The Legacy of Mattie J.T. Stepanek and Heartsongs, she is a noted advocate for personal and world peace, as well as for children’s and families’ needs and rights in health and education. Jeni’s inspirational message about hope, peace, disability, grief, support, parenting, collaboration, motivation, and spirituality has been carried by all media outlets.
Like her son, Jeni has a rare genetic neuromuscular disease, and relies on a ventilator and wheelchair for breathing and mobility. Mattie is the youngest of Jeni’s four children. All four died during childhood due to complications of the disease Jeni unknowingly passed on to them before she was diagnosed. Mattie died 3 weeks before his 14th birthday.
Today, Jeni works as an inspirational speaker and a research and editorial consultant. She also serves as a National Vice President for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and as a Governor for the We Are Family Foundation. As a mentor, Jeni is known as “Mama Peace” to 87 international teens (and counting) who are committed to peace and who learn about Mattie’s message through the annual “Just Peace Summit” in New York City. She also works with schools and students who are learning about Mattie and peace across the United States.
For Dinner Reservations, Please Contact
Jack McHale
jjmchale@verizon.net
703-772-0635
Celebrating Life, Working for Peace Flyer (PDF | 1.3M)
