A Faith that Transforms: Unity, Justice, and Service in the Spirit of St. Catherine

As we approach the feast of Saint Catherine of Siena, we reached out to Prioresses who have Saint Catherine as their patroness to share their reflections. We asked them: what is the Saint teaching us at this specific moment in history?

Over the next few days, we will publish reflections from different Prioresses sharing their unique perspectives on the enduring legacy of Saint Catherine.

Here is the sharing from Sister Célestine Sumanende, OP, Prioress General of the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters, Daughters of Saint Catherine of Siena:

For me today, Saint Catherine teaches me that holiness is not an escape from the world, but a force to transform it. Therefore, I must live my faith as a motor for unity, justice, and solidarity, so that my community becomes a space where each person can become who they are and contribute to the common good.

Unity and Reconciliation: Catherine worked to restore unity in a divided Church. In our Congregation and our apostolic environment, where cultural and ethnic diversity is great, her example invites us to overcome divisions and build bridges between communities.
Civic Courage: Catherine did not hesitate to challenge the powerful of her time. We must commit ourselves to social justice, denounce abuses, and promote responsible governance.
Service to the Most Vulnerable: She cared for the sick and helped the poor. In our province, where health and economic challenges are real, Catherine encourages us to develop solidarity initiatives.
Case Study (Watsa): We evoke the case of the Watsa territory where we have an orphanage. Within one month, we welcomed four newborns. Together with our colleague Jeannine NADI, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, we have committed to calling upon political and administrative authorities to see how to reduce maternal deaths and provide aid to fragile families.
Youth and Vocation: We can help young people see in Catherine a sign that their voices matter, and that they can transform their environment through their talents and their faith.
Active Faith: She linked contemplation and action. This reminds us that spirituality must not remain locked inside convents, but must be translated into concrete gestures of peace, sharing, and development.