The Sisters of Saint Anne are rooted in the Ignatian tradition of discernment: in a meditative stance, we visualize ourselves in a gospel context and pray for direction. Fueled by the desire to build a more just and caring world, we seek the will of God by hearing, choosing, and engaging in meaningful action.Blessed Marie Anne’s gift to the Church and to us is to follow Jesus as Gospel women and to serve Christ’s mission of Educator. While we continue to teach in traditional educational settings from elementary school through graduate programs, we recognize a still broader educational sense, the calling to teach in our greater world. We look for opportunities to help those who “don’t know” that they “don’t know.”
“On fire for life,” we are committed to justice and peace. We stand with those who are poor, with women and children, with those marginalized by our society. Strongly united in community and prayerfulness, we are women of generosity, hospitality and compassion who are eager to grow in and share in God’s love. Rooted in the Gospel, we dare to live in a way that works to transform all that threatens life.
Corporate Death Penalty Statement
Compelled by the Gospel message and challenged by our Foundress, Marie Esther Blondin,* whose vision mandates us to bring all to the fullness of life, we, the Sisters of Saint Anne of the United States oppose the death penalty. On March 12, 1989, we assembled as a community to finalize a corporate stance on this issue. In the context of prayer and dialogue, it became evident to us that the death penalty violates the teaching and spirit of Jesus Christ. We recognize capital punishment as inhumane, irreversible, and inequitable. It is a violent and superficial solution to complex social problems. In its place we affirm restitution, reconciliation, nonviolence, aid to victims, and improvement of social conditions.
*As of April 29, 2001: Blessed Marie Anne Blondin
