Sister Elizabeth Anne Worley, S.S.J. Honored with the Archbishop Hurley Award
Special Mass Celebrates Mercy Hospital’s 59th Anniversary
Miami, FL (December 18, 2009) – Sister Elizabeth Anne Worley S.S.J. was honored with the Archbishop Hurley Award during a special Mass, which also celebrated Mercy Hospital’s 59th Anniversary on December 18th. Sister Elizabeth was recognized with this award for her dedication to Mercy Hospital’s mission, her outstanding leadership and tremendous contribution to build a vision of Mercy for all.
“I am humbled to receive this award, named for Archbishop Hurley. His extraordinary vision and wise action positioned the Church of Florida for great growth to provide churches, schools and hospitals which still serve so well today,” said Sister Elizabeth. “Mercy Hospital was a beneficiary of his wisdom and talent and stands today as testimony of Archbishop Hurley’s vision of service to God’s people. I receive this wonderful award with great joy, and pray that in some small way, my service has contributed to Hurley’s vision of Mercy for all.”
“Sister Elizabeth has been instrumental and a true inspiration to Mercy Hospital,” said John C. Johnson, President & CEO of Mercy Hospital. “We thank you for your invaluable contributions and ministry service to Mercy. You truly represent the heart and soul of the hospital.”
Sister Elizabeth served as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Mercy Hospital from 1986 to 2004. She is a current member of the Mercy Foundation Board of Directors and a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, Florida. Sister Elizabeth was the Chair of the Board when the Archbishop Hurley Award was established as part of the Hospital’s celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2000. The award is also very fitting because as a child, Sister Elizabeth knew Archbishop Hurley and his remarkable contribution to the Church in Florida.
During her 19 year tenure as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Sister Elizabeth oversaw a period of growth in Mercy’s mission of service to the Miami community. In support of Mercy’s mission as a Catholic hospital, Sister participated in fundraising and advocacy to raise in excess of $500,000 for San Juan Bosco Clinic construction and operations. And in support of Mercy’s excellence in the delivery of health care for all, Sister served in leadership in the Hospital’s on-going accreditation programs and quality initiatives.
The Archbishop Hurley Award was established in honor of Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine, whose vision of a place of healing gave birth to Mercy Hospital 59 years ago. For the past 10 years, Mercy Hospital has been honoring individuals with this award for their dedicated service to Jesus’ healing mission has helped to continue to build the vision, Mercy for all.
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About Mercy Hospital
Mercy Hospital, a recipient of the prestigious Magnet™ award for nursing excellence, HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence Award™ (2003-2004, 2006-2009) and HealthGrades Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2007-2009), is Miami-Dade County’s only Catholic Hospital. Established in 1950, it is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, Florida and a member of Catholic Health East. A 473-bed acute care hospital, staffed by over 700 physicians representing 27 medical specialties, its Centers of Excellence include: The Heart Center at Mercy Hospital, the Miami Cancer Center at Mercy Hospital, the Orthopedic Institute at Mercy Hospital, and the Minimally Invasive Surgical Institute at Mercy Hospital. Mercy Hospital is located at 3663 S. Miami Avenue, Miami, FL.
For more information regarding this release please contact:
Lidia Amoretti
Mercy Hospital
(305) 860-4634
Caroline Underwood
Kreps DeMaria, Inc.
(305) 663-3543