John Berchmans Conway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
SQA
John Berchmans Conway
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|---|---|
| Born | 1929 |
| Died | (aged 93) |
| Occupation | Religious sister, teacher |
| Honours | Sitara-e-Quaid-i-Azam |
Sister John Berchmans Conway, often known simply as Sister Berchmans, was an amazing Irish teacher. She was a religious sister (a woman who dedicates her life to God and serving others). Sister Berchmans spent 60 years teaching in Pakistan. In 2012, the Pakistani government honored her for her great work in education and for helping different religions get along.
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Early Life and Calling
Sister Berchmans Conway was born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1929. When she was 22, in 1951, she joined a group called the Religious of Jesus and Mary. This group was started in France in 1818. Their main goal was to help and teach young people, especially those who didn't have homes.
The sisters of this group soon began teaching in other countries. The first school in Pakistan run by the Religious of Jesus and Mary opened in Lahore in 1876. In 1953, when Sister Berchmans was 24, she was sent to Pakistan to begin her teaching journey.
Teaching in Pakistan
Sister Berchmans spent about 60 years teaching in Pakistan. She taught English and mathematics to girls. Her classes were held in the Jesus and Mary Convents in different cities:
- Lahore
- Murree
- Karachi
In December 2011, she celebrated her "Diamond Jubilee." This means she had been a religious sister for 60 years!
Famous Students
Sister Berchmans taught many students who later became very important people. Two well-known students were:
- Benazir Bhutto: She became the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
- Asma Jahangir: She was a famous human rights activist.
Awards and Recognition
Sister Berchmans received many honors for her dedication and hard work.
Sitara-e-Quaid-i-Azam
On February 15, 2012, the President of Pakistan gave Sister Berchmans a special award. It was called the Sitara-e-Quaid-i-Azam, which means "Star of the Leader." This award is one of the highest civilian honors in Pakistan. She received it for her services in education and for helping different religions live together peacefully.
On March 25, 2012, over 600 people gathered at St. Anthony’s Church in Karachi. They celebrated a special church service to honor Sister Berchmans and another priest, Father Robert McCulloch, for receiving this important award.
Benedict Medal
In July 2019, St Mary's University, Twickenham in the UK gave Sister Berchmans the Benedict Medal. This award recognized her almost 70 years of teaching.
Berchmans Road
In 2020, the city of Karachi honored Sister Berchmans in a special way. They named a road in the Clifton area after her. This road, called "Berchmans Road," was named to recognize her amazing contributions to education.
Later Life and Passing
Sister Berchmans Conway passed away on December 21, 2022. She was 93 years old. Her long life was filled with teaching and helping others in Pakistan.
