Mary O'Callaghan earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Creighton University, and received her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Notre Dame. Her doctoral work was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health for the study of developmental disabilities and mental retardation. She and her husband John (also a Fellow of the CEC) are the parents of 5 children, including their youngest, Tommy, who has Down syndrome. Since his birth, Mary has been an advocate at the local level for unborn children with Down syndrome and other disabilities. She has served as a member of the Disabilities Advisory Board for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, and in conjunction with the Michiana Down Syndrome Support Group, provides mentoring to local parents who receive a prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome.
Pope Francis, Tommy, and Mary O'Callaghan at the Jubilee of Mercy http://ethicscenter.nd.edu/assets/202188/original/mercy_conference_ocallaghan_slider_2.jpg
In 2016, Mary and her son Tommy were special guests at the Jubilee for the Sick and Persons with Disabilities celebrated by Pope Francis as part of the Year of Mercy. More information about the jubilee event located on the CEC website (https://ethicscenter.nd.edu/news/disability-and-the-face-of-mercy-notre-dame-collaborates-with-pontifical-council-to-host-conference/).
Mary will be a featured speaker at a UN panel discussion observing World Down Syndrome Day, 3/21, hosted by the Holy See's Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations. Information on the panel discussion is at: https://ethicscenter.nd.edu/news/cec-public-policy-fellow-to-speak-at-un/ (https://ethicscenter.nd.edu/news/cec-public-policy-fellow-to-speak-at-un/) Special Guest: Mary O'Callaghan.
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