The Benedictine Sisters honored Erie native and activist Art Leopold as their 2025 Prophet of Peace on September 21. Art has been a healing presence and prophetic witness for peace and justice for more than thirty years, involved in leadership, advocacy, organization, and hands-on efforts to create a more just city and world. Read more about Art Leopold here.
Sister Diane Rabe, administrator of the Benedictine community, presented the award to Art at Evening Praise monastery chapel. Sister Anne McCarthy offered reflections on Art's many years of dedicated service in her reflections for the many friends, family, and sisters gathered. Art also shared thoughts, noting that he is accustomed to measuring every word from his many tightly-timed interventions at city and county council meetings. A reception followed the service.
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie began the Prophet of Peace Award in 1997 to honor individuals or groups that embody an aspect of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie and Oblates Corporate Commitment to be "a healing presence and a prophetic witness for peace and justice and to climate conscious living…."
Past Prophets of Peace include Dr. Alice Edwards, Rev. John Dear, Doreen Petri, Candace Battles, Blue Coats Nonviolence Initiative, Dr. Michael Campbell, Edwina Gateley, Sam Miller, Kelly Armor, Linda Lyons King, SONS of Lake Erie, Simone Campbell, SSS, Gary Horton, and Al and Peggy Richardson.
