Catholic Sisters Bring Joy, Companionship to Philadelphia Women

They’ve been a mysterious presence in the City of Brotherly Love with their white veils and long blue robes. The Catholic nuns – Sisters of Life – have moved into their convent at St. Malachy Parish in North Philadelphia, which was blessed recently by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput. According to CatholicPhilly.com, “The Sisters of Life are a contemplative-active religious community founded in 1991 by the late archbishop of New York, Cardinal John O’Connor — a native Philadelphian — for the protection and enhancement of the sacredness of human life. The congregation consists of more than 100 sisters, five of whom now live in Philadelphia.”

The Sisters help celebrate life in all forms, especially when it comes to their fellow women.

The sisters make it their especial mission to celebrate the joy of life in all forms, especially inasmuch as it comes to providing support to their fellow women. When the sisters first came to Philadelphia, they visited pregnancy centers, maternity homes and other ministries to put themselves out there and show the women of the city that they were an available resource. The made themselves aware of the good works already being done in the city and compiled a list of the work yet to be done. The Catholic nuns will befriend and be a loving shoulder for women, especially those who are pregnant, recovering from an abortion, or who have just experienced childbirth. They will accompany women to doctor or hospital visits and help connect them with available local services and resources that can benefit their lives.

“We pray that the world is doused in this charism of life (so) that each person comes to know their worth (and) dignity, and that they are an unrepeatable icon of the living God, that they were willed into existence for love. Once we realize that, we can love another,” said Sister Grace Domenic, the superior of the order. The sisters spend at least four hours a day in prayer.

Photo credit: CC Nationaal Archief