Jean Donovan was an American missionary born in the year 1953 and the youngest among the two children of Patricia and Raymond Donovan. She lived her teenage life in Westport, Connecticut where she obtained an MBA from Case Western Reserve University. She later became a consultant at an accounting company in Cleveland. Jean also became a volunteer at Cleveland Diocese Youth Ministry and was interested in mission project of the Cleveland diocesan. In 1979, Jean went to El Salvador after completing her missionary education. During her stay in El Salvador, she was appointed a planner for diocesan mission program. In her position, Jean assisted by giving out food to the poor as well as the refugees and by conducting family teaching programs. Jean, however, died in 1980 and her death has been considered to have been caused by the military.
The life and actions of Jean Donovan reflect one significant value of beatitude known as “Blessed are those that mourn”. This is because while she was a missionary, she comforted as well as calmed the people who mourned after the death of their family members. The life and action of Jean Donovan also reflect the Command of love in the sense that, she gave out food and clothing to the poor persons and refugees. The Command of love in her life and actions is also depicted from her huge smile in addition to a sense of fun that she was associated with. Just as the Command of love asserts that one should love his or her neighbor as himself, Jean showed this type of love by caring and sharing with the poor.
Among the contribution of Jean Donovan include; push for social justice whereby, she Jean Donovan Summer Fellowship (JDF) has been named in her honour. Jean Donovan Fellowship is established to give support to students who want to improve their comprehension about social justice problems via a summer community-based education experience of six to eight weeks. Jean Donovan has also brought about the increase of family programs where families are taught on various aspects of living lives that embraces values of beatitudes and love.
Clement Kern
Clement Kern was a Detroit priest born in the year 1943. In 1961, Kern completed High School education from the Monroe Catholic Central School in and later went to the Sacred Seminary of Detroit. He is also known as a priest of Roman Catholic who moved to Michigan after completing his studies in Mexico. He later became part of the Holy Trinity Church in Detroit. Clement Kern first became an assistant priest at Holy Trinity for six years and was later given the position of a pastor which he held for 28 years. During his spare time, Kern took part in hunting, as well as fishing, and antiquing.
The life and actions of Clement Kern reflect a precise value of beatitudes known as “blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice” and Command of Love. This is because his church did not discriminate people and was always opened to alcoholics, social nonconformists, the jobless as well as the homeless together with gays and lesbians. He also became a vocal advocate for the aforementioned persons. His life also reflected the value presented above as well as the command of love since he always gave Christmas presents to children and also assisted the poor people. A significant connection between his action and the value of beatitude presented is seen when he created an open-door rule that welcomes all people regardless of color and creed. He used this policy to show love to all people despite their religion and race.
Kern is associated with various contributions among them is the creation of a policy that promotes equality regardless of one’s race, sex and economic background. He also contributed to improved care for the poor people especially the homeless whereby, they are financially supported and provided with shelter.