Women religious continue to shift to meet society’s needs

Feb. 2 is World Day of Consecrated Life. Around the globe, women religious are being acknowledged and honored for their ceaseless and powerful contributions to the life of the Catholic Church. Here in the Diocese of Buffalo, women religious have been serving the needs of the people of God since the early 1800s. As throughout the U.S., most of the schools and hospitals in Western New York were founded by congregations to help those on the margins, those not being served, or forgotten, by other entities. The original efforts were accomplished amidst poverty and little support. It was through their faith that these heroic sisters were able to carry forth their mission.

Over time, with societal changes and a newer focus for their energies, the sisters were able (sometimes forced) to turn over their traditional sponsored ministries to others to continue the mission. Bringing the social teachings of the Catholic Church to life became a focus for the lifelong mission of the sisters – that of living and sharing the Gospel message. Direct and indirect service in the areas of justice, including respect for all of human life and human dignity, advocating for those in need, caring for creation, building relationships and active engagement in society, have become the hallmarks of women religious in Buffalo, in the nation, and globally.

Today in our diocese, we are well-represented and well-served by the following congregations: Felician Sisters of North America, Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, Missionary Sisters of St. Columban, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, Sisters of St. Joseph, Sisters of Social Service, Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. In addition, there are sisters from other countries who are in the diocese for studies.

“We Are Here for You” is a theme the sisters want known for the people of the diocese of Buffalo. We are still here and we still willingly serve you.