The Benedictine Sisters of Erie honored Candace Battles with their 2022 Prophet of Peace Award during Evening Praise at the monastery on September 21. Prioress Sister Stephanie Schmidt recalled her early connection with Candace as she introduced the award. “Candace has been serving our community, especially women and children, for so many years. She was always there to assist a mother in need when I called on her to help the women in the House of Healing program more than 15 years ago," she said. Sister Stephanie then acknowledged her current efforts with Our West Bayfront, and many other organizations, boards, and programs that have benefitted from the love and generosity Candace has offered the Erie community.

Candace is known for her response, "I'm too blessed to be stressed," when asked how she is. Her brief comments upon receiving the award echoed that sentiment. 

Sister Stephanie emphasized that Candace earned both a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Gannon University in Erie and a Master's in Social Administration from Case Western University in Cleveland as an adult student while working and raising her four children. She also has eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

"In almost any movement in Erie that seeks to uplift families, women, and children, Candace can be found, finding practical steps forward and bringing likeminded people together," concluded the description of Candace's achievements in the worship aid for Evening Praise.

The Benedictine Sisters give the annual Prophet of Peace award to an individual or group that embodies some aspect of their current corporate commitment to be a healing presence and prophetic witness for peace and justice by actively addressing the climate crisis and the rights of women and children.

Following the service in chapel, the sisters hosted a dinner in the monastery dining room.