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Kevin ClarkeApril 28, 2015

Sister Mary Ann Walsh, former communications director for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and most recently a valued correspondent for America magazine, has died after a struggle with cancer. In typical fashion, she had turned her final weeks into an opportunity to reach and educate others about meeting death with dignity. “Mercy has jumped in from every corner to help me, in ways both large and small,” she said in a blog post, "Facing Terminal Illness with Mercy."

“I want for nothing.”

America Editor-in-Chief Matt Malone, S.J., issued the following statement:

“The editors, staff and supporters of America mourn the passing of Sr. Mary Ann Walsh, America’s U.S. Church Correspondent. Sr. Walsh was a valued colleague and friend, a writer of exceptional talent and insight, whose faith animated her entire life. As the first female religious to serve on the editorial staff of America, Sr. Walsh was a trailblazer even in this last phase of her professional life, a career that spanned four impressive decades. Our readers, especially, will miss her expertise, her generosity and her honesty. Our prayers are with her family, friends and fellow sisters. May she rest in peace with the Lord she loved and served so well.”

UPDATE: You can read Sister Mary Ann's writings for America here.

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Bruce Snowden
8 years 11 months ago
After reading in AMERICA on-line of the journey Sister Mary Ann Walsh was travelling, my wife and I wrote to her supportively, excerpted as follows. "My wife Virginia and I write offering ourselves as your "walking stick" which we doubt you will need, as Jesus is at your side 'bearing you up on eagle's wings' ... we thank you for your fidelity of decades in service to the Lord and our Church ... 'you have fought the good fight, you have kept the Faith.' Faith excitingly assures that your long 'engagement' of Mystical Courtship is reaching the 'wedding day' as you and your Spouse, Jesus, get things ready for that long awaited 'honeymoon' ". Sister Mary Ann's "wedding day" has happened' the "honeymoon" has started. With Blessed Mother and all the saints and angels, she's now dancing in the "reception hall" sometimes called "heaven," with her Beloved! Well done, Sister Mary Ann!

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