Irish missionary nun Sr Mary Lucey has been awarded the Presidential Insignia for Meritorious Achievement by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema in recognition of her decades of service to poor communities.
Sr Mary, now semi-retired in Castleisland, Co Kerry, spent 31 years working in Pemba and Kalomo, where she led projects to empower marginalised families. Her award was accepted on her behalf by Sr Sandra and Sr Josephine.
A graduate of University College Cork, Sr Mary joined the Presentation Sisters in 1965 and taught in Dingle and Millstreet before departing for Zambia. There, she focused on sustainable development, building a pre-school and model villages providing homes, clean water and farmland for families.
Funded by supporters in Ireland, England and the USA, she organised shipments of bicycles, sewing machines and supplies to help people start small businesses. During food shortages, she secured seeds and a tractor for local farmers.
Even in retirement, Sr Mary continues to raise funds for projects in Zambia.
She is the second Irish nun recently honoured by Zambia’s president; last year Sr Mary Courtney of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa was recognised.
Supporters say the award shows the lasting impact of Irish missionaries’ work overseas.
