Nancy Sullivan

The Need to Speak Up

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Annual Peace Luncheon commemorating the 75th anniversary of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Law. Among the distinguished speakers was Dr. Atif Kirbursi, a retired UN official, who underscored the UN's fundamental mission to uphold global peace, a daunting task given the existence of 194 nations worldwide. He recounted numerous instances where the UN's efforts successfully prevented conflicts and averted wars, while acknowledging occasional failures.

Dr. Kirbursi commended the implementation of the sustainable development goals as a yardstick for assessing progress. However, his most poignant message resonated deeply: "No one will give you power; you need to take power yourself." His words emphasized the imperative of proactive engagement against injustices, rather than passivity or indifference.

Image: micheile henderson/Unsplash

This sentiment was echoed by the subsequent speaker, Simin Khaveri, a native of Iran who played a pivotal role in exposing the execution of ten young women, aged 17 to 30, in Iran in 1983. Among these victims was her own sister. These women, adherents of the Bahá’í faith, were put to death for their religious beliefs after enduring months of imprisonment and torture. Despite being offered freedom in exchange for renouncing their faith, they chose martyrdom. Simin's actions in alerting the media shed light on this tragedy, prompting international scrutiny and condemnation of Iran's actions.

Let us remember that when we see injustice, we must speak up.

-Sister Nancy Sullivan, csj

Images: Oleg Laptev/Unsplash

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

The 61st Annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations occurs on Sunday, April 21, 2024 with the theme: “Called to sow seeds of hope and to build peace.” 

In his letter to commemorate this day, Pope Francis says, “This day invites us to reflect on the precious gift of the Lord’s call to each of us, as members of his faithful pilgrim people, to participate in his loving plan and to embody the beauty of the Gospel in different states of life. Our life finds fulfillment when we discover who we are, what our gifts are, where we can make them bear fruit, and what path we can follow in order to become signs and instruments of love, generous acceptance, beauty, and peace, wherever we find ourselves.”

Let's dive into the vibrant landscape of religious vocations in the Diocese of Hamilton, where the Diocesan Vocation Director is Father Mark Morley. Father Mark is the son of one of our original Hamilton CSJ Companions, Connie Morley. (A Companion is someone who shares the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph, embodying active and inclusive love) No doubt through the years, Father Mark has absorbed some CSJ flavour through his dear mother!

One way Father Mark facilitates prayer support for seminarians, deacons, and those in initial religious formation is by distributing prayer cards featuring their names and photos. He further aids young adults in discerning their vocations through dedicated evenings and leads a Men's Discernment Group monthly. Additionally, the Diocese hosts annual events like the Vocation Mass and the Serra Club organizes initiatives such as the Annual Vocations Dinner and visits to Catholic High Schools by representatives from diverse vocations.  All these activities contribute to the rich tapestry of vocational discernment in the Hamilton Diocese.

These are some of the many religious vocations in the Diocese of Hamilton:

  • Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada

  • School Sisters of Notre Dame

  • Sisters of the Precious Blood

  • Sisters of Our Lady Immaculate

  • Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate

  • Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

  • Poor of Jesus Christ

  • Felician Sisters

  • Sisters of St. John the Baptist

  • Ursuline Sisters of Chatham

  • Carmelites

  • The Society of Jesus (Jesuits)

  • Congregation of the Resurrection

  • Congregation of the Holy Cross

  • Hospitaller of St. John of God

  • Oblates of Mary Immaculate

  • Barnabite Fathers

  • Carmelites of Mary Immaculate

  • Comboni Missionaries

  • Pallottine Fathers

  • Legionaries of Christ

  • Consecrated Virgins

  • Permanent Deacons

  • Seminarians (currently 15)

  • Diocesan Priests

Navigating one's place in the world can be a daunting journey, fraught with uncertainties and complexities. As individuals discern their unique paths in life, we must pray for them and extend our support, affirming the inherent dignity of every individual.

-Sister Nancy Sullivan, CSJ