Sr. Maria Caritas Lawrence is a Sister of Mercy and 2012 recipient of the Order of the British Empire bestowed by Queen Elizabeth, for her lifelong and varied contributions to Belize. A graduate of St. John's College, Belize, she entered the Mercies and had further studies in the United States. She then taught sociology and philosophy of education at Belize Teachers’ College from 1968 to 1973, residing in St. Ignatius parish from 1970 to 1973 and directing the choir there. A promoter of women’s issues, she actively supported Sr. Consuelo Torres’ decision to allow girls to remain at St. Catherine Academy after having a child. The photo shows her (center) and Sr. Yvonne Hunter receiving a petition from Charles M. Woods Sr. after a peaceful protest parade in Belize town over this issue.