We recently reconnected with Sister Mary Madeline Todd, a remarkable Mt. de Sales & Knott Scholarship Alumna.
During our conversation, Sister Mary reflected on how the Knott Scholarship has profoundly shaped her path, inspiring a lifelong dedication to Christ.
As a Knott Scholar, she not only received a quality education but also developed a deep sense of responsibility to serve her community. This experience ultimately led her to discern a vocation as a Dominican Sister of Saint Cecilia, where she continues to live out the mission of the scholarship by educating and guiding the next generation of Catholic leaders.
Read more about Sr. Mary’s perspective and insight on how faith and education are connected and some unique advice she has for our younger scholars!
Impact of the Knott Scholarship: How did receiving the Knott Scholarship shape your understanding of service and leadership, and how has it influenced your decision to dedicate your life to Christ?
Receiving the Knott Scholarship was truly transformative for my life. It enabled me to go to an excellent school, Mount de Sales Academy, where I received an integrated, outstanding formation as a Catholic servant leader. It was never lost on me that I could access such inspiring teachers and life-changing opportunities because of the generosity of those who contributed to the Knott Scholarship. I always hoped that when I had the ability to give back to the Knott Scholarship, I would contribute however I could. Surprisingly for me, my years of receiving an outstanding Catholic Education led to discernment of my vocation to become a Dominican Sister of Saint Cecilia. I was able to give back not monetarily, but literally to give my life in service to God, to the Church, and to many students in Catholic Education.
Faith and Education: What role did your Catholic education play in your journey?
My years of Catholic Education helped me to see the deep interrelationship and harmony between faith and reason. I learned and knew that every gift we receive is a gift from God and meant to be used in a way that glorifies God and serves the human community. Being educated first at Saint Augustine School, then at Mount de Sales Academy, and for an additional year at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, I was given many opportunities to pray and study, build community and serve. I was led to see how important it is to seek not just the accumulation of facts, but rather wisdom, which is a gift of the Holy Spirit. We discover in the lives of the saints that wisdom is loving knowledge, knowledge that goes beyond the conceptual and is put into action in true charity.
Advice for Current Scholars: What advice would you offer to current Knott Scholars about living out the mission of the scholarship, both personally and academically?
When I was a junior in high school, my history teacher invited us to ponder how we could use our interests and talents not only to make money or achieve success, but rather to serve God and others. This advice opened my mind to a new way of looking at my future. I would encourage current Knott Scholars to ask in prayer the very same question. Each and every gift we have received is an opportunity to show love for God and others and to grow in Christ-like servant leadership. As I pondered this question, I realized that the gift I was given for loving learning and teaching was not just a talent, but was part of my vocational path. It has been such a joy and blessing for me to teach for over 20 years, and especially in the past five years at Mount de Sales Academy, where I received so much. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the GIVEN Institute which trains young women in Catholic leadership, and I thank God and those who supported my Catholic education that everything I learned in my years of studying has given me a chance to give back to others.