The work and lives of Catholic Sisters and Nuns continue to have a profound impact on the world. This week, we commemorate National Catholic Sisters Week across the nation, a well-deserved recognition. Since the early days of our country, Catholic sisters have dedicated themselves to serving the impoverished, establishing and managing hospitals to provide for the sick and the dying, and founding schools to ensure that every child, regardless of their race or family's financial means, has access to a quality education. (Take the new movie by Angle Studios, Cabrini, as a primary example of the life and work of a dedicated group of sisters!) Despite the decrease in the numbers of Catholic Sisters and Nuns worldwide, they persist in their mission to tend to the faithful entrusted to their care.
Myself with Sr. Marie Michelle, Sr. Mary Beata, and Sr. Debra Marie. Sisters of the Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate
I still remember the first occasion when I encountered a religious sister. Sister Mary Lee Nalley, an Ursuline Sister of Youngstown, was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Parish during the 1990s, when I had my initial interaction with her at my sister's baptism in 1996. Although I was young at that time, I can vividly recall her dedicated service to the parish and the worshipers who visited the Immaculate. Fourteen years later, in 2010, I had the opportunity to reconnect with Sister Mary Lee when I started working at the newly merged Immaculate Conception - Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish on Youngstown's Eastside. Sister Mary Lee played a pivotal role in the successful merger of the two longstanding parishes, understanding that despite the emotional attachment to a church building, her ministry transcended physical locations as she continued to serve the people. Her dedication extended to reaching out to the sick and homebound in various locations. Sister Mary Lee continued her service at the newly merged Saint Angela Merici Parish until her passing in 2019. Altogether, Sister Mary Lee devoted 47 years to serving the Catholic Community on the east side of Youngstown.
The support and education I have received from Religious Sisters has been enduring and invaluable. Sister Mary Lee served as an initial source of guidance, but I have been fortunate to benefit from the tutelage, encouragement, and friendship of numerous sisters. At Ursuline High School, I gleaned valuable knowledge from Ursuline Sisters Carol Ann Higgins, MaryEllen Dean, Regina Rogers, and Kathleen McCarragher. Furthermore, my academic journey was enriched during graduate school, thanks to the wisdom and support of Sister Mary McCormick, OSU, Sister Lisa Marie Belz, OSU, and Sister Mary Brendon Zajac, SND. In matters of spiritual guidance and discernment, Sister Marguerite Holz, HM, provided invaluable assistance. During my time as a seminarian, I had the privilege of working closely with Sister Mary Beata and Sister Debra Marie, PVMI, during my internships in Warren, Ohio. This account barely scratches the surface, as there are many other sisters whom I hold in high regard for their unwavering support on my journey to priesthood, including Sister Elisa Bonano, OSF, Sister Janice Kusick, OSU, and Sister Jennifer Kramer, SND, to name but a few.
Myself with Sister Jennifer Kramer, SND and Sister Elisa Bonano, OSF who came to support me at my Master of Arts in Theology capstone presentation.
In my discernment of the call to priesthood, several sisters have willingly engaged in conversations, attentively listening to my concerns, worries, fears, and feelings of inadequacy. My close friends, who happen to be religious sisters, not only uphold me in their daily prayers but also extend unwavering support through frequent calls, texts, emails, and thoughtful notes, expressing genuine interest in my well-being. I have had the privilege of sharing meals with Catholic Sisters, and amidst these occasions, it has seemed as though we found resolutions to formidable challenges. In those moments, I have found the fortitude and determination to persist in my faith journey and pursuit of priesthood.
The influence and exemplary conduct of Catholic Sisters has drastically impacted my life, for the good! While it is appropriate to dedicate a whole week to honoring the ministry and existence of Catholic Sisters, we should acknowledge their numerous achievements on a daily basis. As a Church, it is incumbent upon us to express daily gratitude to God for their exemplary guidance and unwavering commitment. Furthermore, we must consistently include them in our prayers and seek an increased number of vocations to the religious life.
Myself with Sister Marguerite Holz, HM and Myself and Fr. Chad Johnson with Sister Mary McCormick
If you, a family member, or a friend, have been positively influenced by a religious sister, we kindly request that you offer a prayer for that sister and their community today. Additionally, it's never too late to express gratitude. Consider sending a thoughtful card, making a personal phone call, or sharing a positive story about them on social media. And, as always, remember that it was a women - Mary, the Blessed Mother - who asked Jesus to begin his public ministry with his first miracle at the Wedding Feast of Cana (John 2:1-12), it was a women - Mary Magdalene - who was the first to see the Risen Lord Jesus on Easter Sunday and she was the one who ran to tell the world of the Good News! (John 20:11-18) Women play a very important in our life as human beings (none of us would be here without our Mothers) and our life as a Church. Thanks be to God for the work and life of all religious sister across the world!
Peace & Don't forget to thank a Sister!
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