IHM Associates Commissioned

by Mary Lynn Delfino

Five new IHM associates were commissioned Sept. 20, 2026 during the liturgy at Our Lady of Peace Residence: Marilyn Sessions, Melissa Williams, Julie Gardiner-Glorioso, Elizabeth (Beth) Sine and Sharon Johnsen.

For three, the family connections run deep. Melissa is the daughter of associate Ann Montoro Williams; Julie is a niece of Sister Mary Martha Gardiner and a cousin of Sister Theresa Frere; and Beth is a cousin of both Julie and Sr. Theresa and a great-niece of the late Sister Samuela Mudd.

L-R: Mary Lynn Delfino, Circle of Grace facilitator, Cleveland Heights, Ohio; Melissa Williams, Scranton, Pa.; Sharon Johnsen, Faulkner, Md.; Julie Gardiner-Glorioso, LaPlata, Md.; Sister Ann Parker, Circle of Grace facilitator, Bethesda, Md.; Elizabeth Sine, Faulkner, Md.; Marilyn Sessions, Kent, Ohio; Sister Ruth Harkins, director of associates; and Patricia Sheehan, Circle of Grace facilitator, Scranton, Pa. Photo credit: Katie Kearney

Sister Annmarie Sanders, president; Sister Lisa Perkowski, councilor; and Sister Ruth Harkins, director of associates, led the commissioning, which included reflections on the IHM charism and the traditional blessing with the stole, a ritual dating back to the congregation’s foundation in Monroe in 1845.

The new associates affirmed their commitment by signing their covenants, pledging to proclaim God’s unconditional love through the IHM Core Values and share their gifts and talents for Jesus’ mission. Sisters, associates, family and friends witnessed and blessed their “yes” before the rite concluded with “Salve Regina.”

When Beth looked around the chapel, tears filled her eyes. “At that moment,” she said, “the Charism came to life for me. I felt that God put me right where I’m supposed to be.”

Marilyn echoed this sentiment, “Standing in front of our Sisters, I took a moment and tried to look at each of them in their eyes. I felt all of Theresa Maxis’s warm, loving, welcoming hearts in my soul.”

Julie was moved by the support, prayers and friendship, adding, “Having my aunt (Sr. Mary Martha) there was extra special.”

“My heart was full of love,” concluded Melissa.

The Circles of Grace were led by associates Mary Lynn Delfino and Pat Sheehan (Region 1) and Judy LeSage, Peggy Howard, Barbara Costa and Sister Ann Parker (Region 2)