Nearly 400 parents, children, parishioners, alumni and friends gathered on a sunny Saturday afternoon in June to celebrate and honor the true Beacon of Hope of Nativity, Sister Judy Flahavan. “When she came here in 1997,” Fr. Tim Dyer noted in the homily at the Mass in honor of Sr. Judy that day, “enrollment was down, the kids were in bungalows, and the school was in danger of closing. Within a year, she fired all the teachers except one.” After that, she rebuilt Nativity in every way – physically and educationally, transforming the once beleaguered K-6 school into a shining example of what can be accomplished, even with all the obstacles inherent in the inner city. Today, Nativity’s gleaming campus spans two blocks — which now includes a Pre-K and a high-performing middle school from which all its graduates matriculate into the private or Catholic high schools of their choice.

“Sister Judy, you have given me more than a quality education,” said former student Gelyan Garcia at the celebration. “Through your example and actions, you have given me standards to live up to and value, you have given me the inspiration to fulfill my dreams.”

For more than 30 years she has blessed the South Los Angeles community with her caring, grace and unwavering commitment to its children, first as principal of St. Columbkille and Ascension schools, and then, for the past 15 years, as principal and champion of Nativity. She has made a tremendous impact in our schools and in our hearts, and for that we will be eternally grateful.

Thank you, Sister Judy! We truly appreciate your caring, your commitment, and especially you’re determination to make Nativity the shining beacon of hope of the community it has become and will continue to be.