By Katie Vasquez
A chorus of voices welcomed Sister Nancy Gilchriest back to her alma mater, Saint Saviour High School, during a homecoming filled with memories, faith and inspiration.
Gilchriest, who grew up in Park Slope, with her two sisters, first walked the halls of the Brooklyn all-girls school as a freshman before later returning as a teacher — a journey she says helped her discover her true calling.
“My sisters Cecelia and Claudia were involved in the drama club when I came as a freshman,” Gilchriest said. “So of course, I joined the drama club.”
Although she initially believed she had achieved her lifelong dream, Gilchriest said she felt something was was lacking in her life, prompting deeper reflection and prayer.
“I was achieving my lifelong dream, and there was still something missing,” she said. “I thought, ‘I have got to look at this.’”
That reflection led her to religious life with the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Today, Gilchriest serves as the provincial leader for the Atlantic-Midwest Province.
“I have the great privilege of being the leader of the 300 sisters in our province,” she told Currents News.
Those who know her say she is uniquely suited for the role.
“She has marvelous ideas to bring the School Sisters of Notre Dame together and into the 21st century,” said her sister, Claudia Gilchriest.
Friend and former schoolmate Margaret Bernstein agreed, noting Gilchriest’s leadership presence stood out early on.
“The way she handles herself — it was something we just knew right away,” Bernstein explained.
Saint Saviour administrators said her visit offered students a powerful example of leadership rooted in faith and service.
“We’re very, very thankful for people like Sister Nancy, who led the way for the girls who are here today,” said Principal Carolann Timpone.
Rita Draghi, alumni director at Saint Saviour, described Gilchriest as a woman deeply committed to both her faith and her school.
“This is a woman of great faith,” Draghi said. “When she committed herself to Saint Saviour and to God, there was no better person.”
Gilchriest said prayer has been the most important preparation for her leadership role.
“That would be the best preparation — to believe and trust in the Holy Spirit,” she said.
As she continues her mission with the province, Gilchriest says returning to Saint Saviour remains a meaningful reminder of where her journey began.