Okay, okay, I admit it: I have a Google Alert set to let me know whenever a new article about a Catholic sister or nun is posted on the Interwebs -- I can't help myself! I love reading stories about the sisters and nuns that are making headlines.
One of my recent alerts introduced me to Sister Anne Horrigan, CSJ, a Sister of St. Joseph in Albany, New York. The article titled "60 years as a Sister of Saint Joseph" by Thomas Picciano (for PressConnects, April 9, 2015) highlights Sister Anne's 60th jubilee which she is celebrating this year.
Sister Anne became a Sister of St. Joseph back in the 1950's, and throughout her religious life has had a variety of ministries including teaching, parish work, librarian, and volunteering as an EMT. She currently volunteers with her local parish by serving the elderly and assisting with the food truck for people who are in need.
In reading about Sister Anne's life, I was struck by the way she was supported by her community. Sister Anne had experienced the loss of her family in a very short period of time, but in describing this difficult time, she says, "I think it was prayer, the absolute support of community that held me together at that time." What I love about this is the gift of community: having a strong network of people who come together in support, encouragement, and prayer in every season of life.
Sister Anne's words resonated with me, and I wanted to know more about what the Sisters of St. Joseph had to say about community ... so I decided to do a little Googling (one of my favorite pastimes). I found this beautiful quote on their website from their constitutions:
“In community living, we share responsibility to create an atmosphere conducive to personal and communal growth in God. Through our mutual, lifelong support and prayer, we grow toward deeper love."
I just love thinking about Sister Anne walking through life with her community, and after 60 years, I'm sure she has some great stories to tell!
To see all the stories of Catholic sisters and nuns we've posted, visit the NUNDAY archives! If you've got a photo and a story of a real Catholic sister or nun, message us on Facebook, Twitter, or use the contact form on the website. (Note: using the contact form will not allow you to send a photo. We will respond with next steps on how to include the photo.)
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