Sister Kathleen Navarra of the SSJ Alabama Mission was recently honored for her contributions to the people of the Black Belt region. Sister Kathleen was among 32 recipients to receive the "Power of One Blue Flame Award" during an event hosted by A Promise to Help on June 9. A Promise To Help is a non-profit healthcare volunteer organization, sponsored by The Spirit of Luke Charitable Foundation, whose goal has been to assist in eliminating healthcare disparities in the under-served, under-privileged, and under-insured populations of the Black Belt region of Alabama since 2003.
Henry and Sandra Ford, founders of A Promise to Help, said they want the award “to not only be a symbol of recognition for a job well done,” but also “to represent those principles that we feel impacted and empowered us over these last 20 plus years to help in the Black Belt.” They continued, “We chose the Blue Flame Award because it symbolizes not only the present but also the future. As we give out these awards every year we also speak into the lives of the recipients—the peace, tranquility, and compassion that the blue flame represents, the staying grounded in the present moment, the protection, the energy to help us stay focused on our targets, the common sense, wisdom, harmony and truth…The blue flame reminds us of the healing power of God and projects as a symbol of hope, rebirth and rejuvenation.” Speaking specifically of Sister Kathleen’s contributions, the Fords said, “She has committed to the maximum within her religious community with the determined mindset ‘whatever a woman is capable.'”
Sister Kathleen has served in the SSJ Alabama Mission for 25 years, specifically in Pine Apple, Vrendenberg, and Selma through the Edmundite Missions. She currently coordinates an afterschool program called “The Academy,” an American College Testing (ACT) preparation program that strengthens students’ academic performance and increases their likelihood of having a successful college career. The program also includes instruction in financial awareness and the development of interpersonal skills and life skills.