Minneapolis — Faith is central to every lesson taught at Immaculate Conception School in Columbia Heights, as exemplified by former principal Jane Bona, who led the Catholic school for nearly 15 years.
“It’s how you act with integrity,” Bona said, referring to her faith and the values that have guided her throughout her career. Bona described her work as a calling rather than just a job. “I always felt like it was a vocation for me, and not a job.”
Her dedication was recently acknowledged at the highest levels of the Catholic Church. Bona was among four Minnesota Catholic educators who received Pope Francis’ Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award.
This marked the first time local Catholic educators were presented this award since the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis was founded 175 years ago. On April 3, Archbishop Bernard Hebda presented the recipients with a Vatican medal and scroll at the Archdiocesan Catholic School Leadership Convocation at Saint Mary in Stillwater.
“It’s such a deep honour,” Bona said. “To me, this was such a beautiful recognition of the work that I’ve done, but it’s really more about all of us as Catholic school educators and the work that we’re doing.”
Bona and millions around the world are mourning the death of Pope Francis, who died Monday morning after months of health problems.
“That’s the sorrowful part of it, but the glorious part of it is that he’s entering into eternal life, and he’s been such an inspiration to me,” Bona remarked. “He’s talked about that this is a year of hope, and he talks about hope does not disappoint.”
Bona remains motivated by the values championed by Pope Francis, as guided by that message. “Mercy was so much of what he communicated; to ensure that we are fair in our judgements, to see people as a person and a child, a person of God,” she went on: “How can we make a difference in the world?” That’s what we’re being called to do, and Pope Francis was the ideal inspiration for it.”
On May 2, Immaculate Conception will host a gala to honour Bona and her legacy.