An Irish nun was recognised for her work in Pakistan – teaching and promoting interfaith relations – at a ceremony in Westminster Cathedral on Wednesday.

Sister Berchmans was presented with a medal during the summer graduation ceremony at St Mary’s University, recognising her 70 years of teaching – most of which was spent in Pakistan – at the Convent of Jesus and Mary.

In 1951, Sister Berchmans joined the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary. During her time there, she dedicated her time caring for and educating the young and homeless, as well as educating others.

In 2012, she was awarded the Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam – one of the highest civil awards given by the president of Pakistan.  The award recognised her “constant adherence to the call of duty over a span of 59 years, which has made Sister Berchmans a living example to emulate”.

Sister Berchmans is the fifth person and the first woman to be presented with the Benedict Medal.

Speaking of the award, Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: “Sister Berchmans’ dedication and commitment to the thousands of students she has taught is an inspiration to anyone committed to the vocation of teaching.”

The president of Ireland described Sister Berchmans as an illustration of the “beauty and potential of teaching”.