Recognizing Sister Patricia Burkard for Her Commitment to The Brothers of Mercy

Sister Patricia Burkard recently retired as the Chairperson of the Governing Board for The Brothers of Mercy. The Board, management team, employees and volunteers thank Sister Pat for her years of dedicated service to the Campus and wish her the best in her retirement. Below is an overview of her distinguished career that was full of community service.

Over the years, Sister Pat emerged as a respected voice in the Franciscan Community. Ultimately she became General Minister for two terms.

She was instrumental in the planning and construction of the new Motherhouse on Reist St., now known as Fredonia Place. 

She shepherded the Williamsville Franciscans in their efforts to join with other Franciscan communities in the Northeastern Region of the United States. Thus, this larger regional community just celebrated the 20th Anniversary of their merger. 

Sister Pat received papal honors from Pope Benedict XVI for her distinguished leadership.

In more recent years, she served the community as an archivist and ministered to the elderly sisters who moved from the Mother House (Fredonia Place) into skilled nursing homes. 

Sister Pat was also extremely instrumental in promoting the canonization of Mother Marianne Cope, OSF who was known for her charitable works.

Following in Mother Marianne Cope’s footsteps, Sister Patricia and her community were influential in forming what is now Catholic Health, along with several other religious women in health care ministries.

She was the recipient of the 2023 Cure d’ars award that is presented to individuals and organizations committed to healing those in need of God’s reconciling love, a willingness to contribute their gifts towards pastoral care, and a commitment to the Church as an instrument for the divine-human encounter.

Sister Pat served in the Department of Education and was an elementary school teacher. She also served as coordinator for the placement of retired priests moving into Diocesan-run homes. 

In addition to serving on The Brothers of Mercy Board of Directors, Sister Pat also served on the board of Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston and was a Board member of the National Fidelis Health Insurance Board.