The Life of Jean Donovan in Relation to Christ
Jean Donovan
On April 10, 1953, Patricia and Raymond Donovan bore a daughter, Jean, who would grow up to serve as one of the most famous female American Missionaries to grace the modern world. Jean was second in birth order to her brother, Michael, who would later inspire her in her divine missionary work. The Donovan family resided in upper middle-class Westport, Connecticut where her father provided a comfortable life as an engineer at Sikorsky Aircraft Division for United Technologies (IRTF).
Jean pursued a career in Business Administration and secured employment as a management consultant for an accounting firm in Cleveland after receiving a degree in business administration from Case West Reserve University. With these merits, Jean was on the fast track for success in business (IRTF). Although a serious businesswoman, Jean was often described by friends as “outgoing and exuberant.” Her family described her to be “loving and compassionate” (IRTF). Jean had a magnetic and sympathetic personality. These traits would soon lead her into her fateful journey as a missionary.
Aside from working as a successful business woman, Jean spent a majority of her time volunteering at the Cleveland Diocese Youth Ministry. Her focus was to correct the lives of the poverty-stricken and troubled youth. Jean was touched by her work and inspired to do more. The Youth Ministry was also where Jean first heard of her life changing missionary work. The objective: a diocesan mission project in El Salvador. The goal of the mission was to spread the gospel and mend the lives of the poor and broken. From the moment she heard of the incredible opportunity, she knew she was destined to fulfill the task. Jean accredited this feeling to her close relationship with God. “She claimed her decision to be "a gut feeling," and said, "I want to get closer to Him, and that's the only way I think I can"” (IRTF).
This gut feeling and close knit relationship with God can be attributed to the various
On April 10, 1953, Patricia and Raymond Donovan bore a daughter, Jean, who would grow up to serve as one of the most famous female American Missionaries to grace the modern world. Jean was second in birth order to her brother, Michael, who would later inspire her in her divine missionary work. The Donovan family resided in upper middle-class Westport, Connecticut where her father provided a comfortable life as an engineer at Sikorsky Aircraft Division for United Technologies (IRTF).
Jean pursued a career in Business Administration and secured employment as a management consultant for an accounting firm in Cleveland after receiving a degree in business administration from Case West Reserve University. With these merits, Jean was on the fast track for success in business (IRTF). Although a serious businesswoman, Jean was often described by friends as “outgoing and exuberant.” Her family described her to be “loving and compassionate” (IRTF). Jean had a magnetic and sympathetic personality. These traits would soon lead her into her fateful journey as a missionary.
Aside from working as a successful business woman, Jean spent a majority of her time volunteering at the Cleveland Diocese Youth Ministry. Her focus was to correct the lives of the poverty-stricken and troubled youth. Jean was touched by her work and inspired to do more. The Youth Ministry was also where Jean first heard of her life changing missionary work. The objective: a diocesan mission project in El Salvador. The goal of the mission was to spread the gospel and mend the lives of the poor and broken. From the moment she heard of the incredible opportunity, she knew she was destined to fulfill the task. Jean accredited this feeling to her close relationship with God. “She claimed her decision to be "a gut feeling," and said, "I want to get closer to Him, and that's the only way I think I can"” (IRTF).
This gut feeling and close knit relationship with God can be attributed to the various
Cited: Gordon, By Jane. "LOOKING BACK - LOOKING BACK - For Maryknoll Sisters, Some Memories Don 't Fade - NYTimes.com." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. The New York Times, 26 Nov. 2000. Web. 09 Dec. 2010. . "Jean Donovan." Sacred Heart. Web. 7 Dec. 2010. . "Jean Donovan and the Call to Discipleship." Father John Dear. Web. 7 Dec. 2010. . "Martys of Central America and Colombia." InterReligious Task Force on Central America. Web. 09 Dec. 2010. . "The Life and Example of Jean Donovan." Common Dreams | News & Views. 02 Dec. 2005. Web. 07 Dec. 2010. .