Mercy Sister Valentina Sheridan received the 2013 Second Century Award at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta. The award, which will be given annually at the hospital, is to be named in her honor as the Sister Valentina Sheridan Award.

Sister Val, as she is known, is the director of mission integration at the hospital. She began at Saint Joseph’s as director of pastoral care in 1994 and held that position for 13 years.

Sister Val daily walks the halls of the hospital visiting patients and their families, providing comfort, care and prayer. During her chats with her co-workers, she reminds members of her health care community of their significant roles in providing compassionate care.

“It is a joy to be a part of this ministry,” said Sister Val in a news release. “I come to work each day with energy and enthusiasm, knowing that I am sure to meet people who will bring blessings and inspiration to our work together.”

Saint Joseph’s mission is to provide clinically excellent and compassionate health care in the spirit of loving service to those in need, with special attention to the poor and vulnerable, a mission Sister Val lives every day.

A native of Macon, Sister Val graduated from Mount de Sales Academy and entered the Sisters of Mercy religious community. She then earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education administration from Mount Saint Agnes College in Baltimore, Md., and a master’s from the University of Dayton in Ohio.

She taught for 13 years before becoming principal of Sacred Heart School in Augusta, then principal of Our Lady of the Assumption School in Atlanta. She was named director, then superintendent of education for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. She is also a past president of the Georgia Association of Independent Schools.

In addition to her current ministry at Saint Joseph’s, she is a leader at Ignatius Retreat House, the Saint Joseph’s Mercy Foundation and The Mission Effectiveness Committee.

Emory Healthcare presents the Second Century Awards to honor community and hospitals leaders whose vision and legacy have made an indelible impact on patients, families, staff and physicians. Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta entered into a partnership with Emory Healthcare in 2012.