Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Laura Nettles is among the recipients of the 2025 Iverson Freking Ecumenical Recognition Award.
La Crosse Tribune published the announcement on Dec. 16, recognizing Marta Martinez as an honoree along with Sister Laura.
In its 39th year, the annual award — posthumously named for Carl Iverson and Bishop Frederick Freking — is given to members of the La Crosse area based on spiritual example, respect for the faith of others, participation in a spiritual congregation and commitment to the community. “In a world that continually offers opportunities for us to learn from one another, it is inspiring to celebrate individuals who bring people together through compassion, cooperation and a shared purpose,” Erick Maki, president of Bethany St. Joseph Corporation Board of Directors, told the Tribune.
Sister Laura, currently serving FSPA as the Executive Director of Mission and Social Justice and a mission councilor, has ministered in the La Crosse community as a Viterbo University professor of courses including Franciscan Theology, World Religions and Catholic Social Teaching. She is also a member of both the FSPA Anti-Racism Team and the La Crosse Interfaith Shoulder to Shoulder Network, recognized by Bethany St. Joseph for building “bridges between faith communities, strengthening relationships among the Muslim, Jewish, Afghan and Indigenous populations within La Crosse.”
"I’m able to achieve things because of my sisters and my community,” shares Sister Laura in the article. “... if I can stand as a platform to just remind us that we are the best when we stand together, when we let diversity and inclusion be a part of our lives … that’s when we do our best, and that’s what makes La Crosse special.”
To read the article in its entirety, visit lacrossetribune.com.
Photo courtesy of La Crosse Tribune.