Church and Society Commission03 Nov 25

A Statement of Tribute to Sr Stanislaus Kennedy

The Chair of the Church of Ireland’s Church and Society Commission, Archbishop Michael Jackson, has paid tribute to the late Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, the founder of Focus Ireland, who has died at the age of 86.  Archbishop Jackson’s statement is in full as follows.

‘It is with great sadness that we learned today of the death of Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, a lifelong social justice advocate and founder of Focus Ireland. Sr Stan was a woman of extraordinary dedication, empathy and charity towards those in greatest need. Her courage, vision and determination in embracing those on the margins of society, gave a practical expression to the Gospel call to love thy neighbour.

‘Her legacy will endure in the lives of all who were touched by her ministry. Her ability to see the humanity in all people and to spot inequity in Irish society and, most importantly, work to address it at the highest level was an inspiration to many. Through her work in co–founding Young Social Innovators, she will continue to inspire generations of young people to tackle social problems in their own communities.  

‘We offer our condolences to all those who Sr Stan loved and were loved by her, especially to the Religious Sisters of Charity.’