Sister Jeanette Gaudet, MFIC, Honored by Boston College for a Lifetime of Missionary Service

The Missionary Franciscan Sisters, Administrators, and Staff of the Immaculate Conception joyfully celebrate the recognition of Sister Jeanette Judith Gaudet, MFIC, who was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the 150th Commencement Exercises at Boston College on May 18, 2026.

Sister Jeanette was among five distinguished honorees recognized during the University’s main commencement ceremony at Alumni Stadium. The celebration highlighted her more than six decades of faithful religious life, missionary outreach, educational ministry, and global leadership within the Church and the congregation.

A woman of deep Franciscan spirit and global vision, Sister Jeanette has dedicated her life to serving communities across the world, especially among the poor and marginalized. Her missionary journey brought her to Papua New Guinea for eight years, where she worked closely with indigenous communities. Her ministry also extended to Egypt, Italy, Ireland, Bolivia, and the United States through education, parish ministry, spiritual formation, and retreats.

Throughout her years of service, Sister Jeanette held several important leadership roles within the congregation, including serving for 17 years on the congregational leadership council in Rome and later as General Superior for five years. She also served as Provincial Leader in the United States.

During the commencement ceremony, Sister Jeanette was recognized not only for her humanitarian work and missionary dedication, but also for her witness to Gospel values rooted in simplicity, humility, compassion, and joyful service. Her life reflects the Franciscan call to go beyond borders and accompany those most in need with dignity and hope.

Reflecting on her vocation during the celebration of her 60th Jubilee, Sister Jeanette once shared that her call to religious life began during her years at Saint Clare High School in Boston, where she encountered the joyful witness of the Franciscan Sisters. She recalled feeling drawn to “a really vital community where everyone was respected, everyone was loved.”

The entire MFIC family rejoices in this well-deserved recognition and gives thanks for Sister Jeanette’s inspiring witness of faith, leadership, and missionary love that continues to touch lives across continents and generations.

For more information about the commencement ceremony and honorees, visit Boston College Commencement Coverage.