Durbin to Host Sister Philip Neri Crawford for Pope Francis' Address to Joint Meeting of Congress
[SPRINGFIELD] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that he has invited Sister Philip Neri Crawford, a sister from the Dominican Order in Springfield as his sole guest to His Holiness Pope Francis’ address to the Joint Meeting of Congress on September 24, 2015. Pope Francis will be the first Pope to ever address a joint meeting of Congress.
“Sister Philip is a good friend who has given her life to the Dominican order,” Durbin said. “Her order taught our kids at Sacred Heart Academy in Springfield. She and her sister nuns deserve special recognition and thanks for giving their lives to the good works of the Church. I’m honored to have her join me for Pope Francis’ historic address.”
Sister Philip Neri Crawford, age 84, was born and raised in Springfield, attending St. Agnes grade schools and Springfield High School. She earned her a bachelor’s degree in math from St. Ambrose College and a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision of Education from University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. She spent 62 years in education, 14 of which were spent as a teacher at Sacred Heart Griffin in Springfield where she still serves on the Board of Directors. She says, “I’m not retired, I’m recycled. I’ve always been interested in public affairs and I make it a point to be in touch with legislators who represent the area.”