She’s a wife. She’s a Mom. She’s a Doctor. She’s a Senator. But now, she’s a “Sister.”

State Senator Judith Zaffirini was named an Honorary Sister of Mercy by The Sisters of Mercy and Mercy Ministries of Laredo (MML) in special ceremonies on Tuesday.

“Sister Judith,” as the honorary title names her, was saluted by The Sisters of Mercy and Mercy Ministries leaders for her “support of health and welfare legislation and personal commitment to its expansion and provision to all people.”

CEO Daniel Guevara, said the Senator’s support has been critical. “Were it not for her vital leadership, many of these critical services simply would not be available here in Laredo and across our state,” Guevara said. “Her leadership inspires us and strongly recommends her for this honorary award,” Sister Maria Luisa Vera added.

“The Senator gives meaning to the word ‘collaboration;’” said Sister Maria Luisa, MML board member and incoming CEO, “she has demonstrated an outstanding ability in this area. We are extremely honored to recognize her outstanding achievements and proud to give her the title of ‘Sister.’”

For her part, “Sister” Zaffirini said she was both humbled and challenged.

“Being a lifelong admirer of the Sisters of Mercy, I am humbled and challenged by this meaningful designation. Because faith and family are my priorities, I have been privileged to collaborate with the Sisters of Mercy in countless ways in meeting the challenges of families in need. My pledge is to continue to do so, particularly in the areas of education and health and human services,” Zaffirini said.

On hand to welcome Zaffirini to the Sisters were Sister Rosemary Welsh, Sister Maria Luisa Vera, Sister Olivia Obregon, Sister Rose Marie Tresp, Sister Mary de Lellis Treviño, Sister Nilda Peralta, and Sister Carolina Hernandez, all of Laredo. Sister Rebecca Hendricks of Fort Smith Arkansas also attended.

Also present were community members, including MML board chair Dr. Ray M. Keck, Casa de Misericordia Board President Denise Longoria, Mercy Ministries CEO Daniel Guevara, and numerous board members of both Mercy Ministries and Casa de Misericordia.

Senator Judith Zaffirini represents the 21st Senatorial District. First elected to the Texas Senate in 1986, she ranks fourth in seniority. In 2004, she was re-elected with 79 percent of the district wide vote, her sixth landslide victory in which she carried all counties in the large and diverse district—something no one else ever has accomplished. Senator Zaffirini is the first Hispanic woman senator in Texas and to serve as President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate and as Governor for a Day.

Mercy Ministries of Laredo (MML) is the only faith-based provider of primary healthcare services for Laredo’s uninsured and underinsured residents. With a special focus on the health disparities of minority women and children, MML operates an effective, comprehensive and culturally-sensitive center in South Laredo on Zacatecas Street.

It also operates Casa de Misericordia, Laredo’s only domestic violence shelter; Mercy Casita, a faith-based food bank; and the Lamar Bruni Vergara Education Center, which provides continuing education for victims of domestic violence.

Read an article on the event that appeard the Laredo Morning Times on June 6, 2006.