Donnelly: ‘Pope Francis brought an important and inspiring message’

Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly released the following statement following Pope Francis’ address to Congress. Donnelly also met with Sister Lawrence Ann Liston, a Terre Haute native, who attended the speech as his guest. 

Donnelly said, “Pope Francis brought an important and inspiring message to Congress.  He reminded us all of the importance of each individual, each person’s humanity, and our obligation to try to work together and help our brothers, and sisters, and those in need in our community and our country. The Pope’s call for a renewed spirit of working together was powerful, and it was fitting that he highlighted the men and women who strive each day to do an honest day’s work, to put food on the table, and build a better life for their families.  

“It was a privilege not only to see and hear Pope Francis, but also to meet with Sister Lawrence Ann Liston, who was my guest for the Pope’s special address to Congress. Sister Lawrence Ann has set an example for us all about how to live your faith and how to make your community a better place with her work, serving Hoosiers in need and expanding access to health care at the Wabash Valley Health Center.” 

Sister Lawrence Ann Liston of Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods helped the Wabash Valley Health Center—also known as St. Ann Medical and Dental Services—become a Federally Qualified Health Center. She served as Chief Executive Officer and then Chief Operating Officer of the Wabash Valley Health Center before retiring on September 25, 2014. She had been involved with the center beginning in 2007 and in November 2013 helped lead its transition to a Federally Qualified Health Center. In March 2013, Donnelly wrote a letter of support for the Wabash Valley Health Center’s New Access Point in High Poverties Counties federal grant application. In November 2013, the Wabash Valley Health Center was awarded a New Access Point grant to help expand access to primary health care. 

Previously, Sister Lawrence Ann Liston earned a certification in Comprehensive Health Facilities Administration. Then she began her ministry in health care and spent time at several health care facilities in Indianapolis before moving to St. Ann Clinic in Terre Haute.  

Sister Lawrence Ann sat in the gallery of the Capitol during the Pope’s address. Donnelly’s office also gave tickets to constituents to watch the Pope’s speech from the West Lawn of the Capitol.