“As the family goes, so goes the nation, and so goes the whole world in which we live.”
— St. Pope John Paul II from his Homily in Perth, Australia, on November 30, 1986.
“On Nov. 2, 1989, Cardinal John O’Connor penned an unforgettable headline for his weekly column in Catholic New York: “Help Wanted: Sisters of Life.” This small seed planted 33 years ago has grown into a thriving community of 130 Sisters, established in 10 cities. It’s hard to imagine how the Cardinal’s dream for the Sisters of Life would have come to fruition without the support of Catholic New York.”
The Sisters of Life website tells more of the story: “The article (written by John Cardinal O’Connor, with the headline: “Help Wanted: Sisters for Life”) was reprinted across the nation, and to the surprise of the Cardinal, hundreds of letters poured in. On June 1, 1991, eight women gathered in New York to form the new community of the Sisters of Life. Since then, the community has grown to over a hundred Sisters from across the globe …”
Have you heard of the Sisters of Life? Do you know the full story of how they were founded by Cardinal O’Connor in 1991? If you don’t know the story, or if it has been some time since you have heard it, I encourage you to visit the website of the Sisters of Life or follow the link cited above. In addition to the founding story of the Sisters of Life, there is an excellent 25-minute video of an interview with Cardinal O’Connor, in which he describes the beginnings of the Sisters of Life. The video also includes a presentation made by Mother Agnes Mary Donovan, the first and long-time superior of the Sisters of Life, offering testimony to St. Pope John Paul II, followed by the Holy Father’s reply. The video can be found here.
I write today about the Sisters of Life because I am happy to tell you that the sisters will be joining us as speakers at our Diocesan Respect Life Convocation on Saturday, Oct. 26, at St. Mary’s Parish in Denville. The theme for this year’s Convocation is United in Prayer for Life, Family, and Country. For the past few years, we have had our Diocesan Respect Life Convocation during October, also known as “Respect Life Month” (and the Month of the Holy Rosary). We did not choose the last Saturday of the month because it is so close (10 days prior) to the upcoming elections, but when we realized the proximity, we also realized that these are days when we can “lead by example.” We are all aware of the divisions in our country and the contentious nature, especially of the upcoming presidential election. Whatever our political differences may be, we should remember that we are all members of “one nation, under God …”. We believe that the convocation will provide an opportunity for us to come together, united in prayer, praying for greater respect for the dignity and value of every human life, praying for families, and greater respect for the vocation of marriage and family life, and praying for our country. In addition to being able to hear from the Sisters of Life and other speakers (in English or Spanish), we will have Mass, pray a “Family Rosary,” and have time for Eucharistic Adoration.
During October, many people, parishes, and communities offer special prayers like the rosary for life and family and, at this moment, our country. For those who may not be able to attend the Convocation in person on Oct. 26, I would ask that you offer a Rosary, Mass, or Holy Hour on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 26, so that, as a diocese, we may be “united in prayer” for Life, Family, and Country.
This event is suitable for all ages, so I invite you to bring your friends, family and loved ones to join me for a morning of unity and inspiration. Please see the fliers for more information and details.