by Mary Ann Daly, SC

Years ago, when I ministered in an African-African American parish in Newark, I had several experiences which clarified “sister” for me. A very elderly member of our parish was in ICU in the hospital. When I reached the door of the unit, I saw the sign which said, “Family only.” I entered any way. I was deciding whether to explain my presence as her parish nun, a pastoral associate or maybe her minister. The young white doctor looked at me and said, “Family only.” Before I could say anything, the patient said: “She’s my sister.” The doctor shrugged and I entered the room.

For many years before this I used “sister” as a title. That moment in the hospital was the clearest experience I had of “sister” being a relationship, a relationship with all—especially with those different from me—those not usually viewed as family.

Whether the other is born in a different place, has skin of a different color, or speaks a different language, we proclaim by our religious profession that we are “sister” to them.