Posted on March 10, 2023
Blog by Sr. Maidung Nguyen, OP
“There is a future for people of peace.” Ps 37:37
This Bible quote resonated within me when I saw it on our Mission for Peace flyer. Yes! Living in religious life as people of peace does have a future. The future here is different from what the human eye typically sees. Our peace is that which Jesus spoke of when he said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
The peace in religious life wells up within as we grow and are transformed into people of peace. Then, we are called forth to share that peace with others in our lives and ministries as we build and make peace in the world around us. When seven congregations of Dominican Sisters came together and we became the Dominican Sisters of Peace, the Holy Spirit inspired us to include “Peace,” in the name of our congregation. Each member of the Dominican Sisters of Peace strives to live and promote peace in the world. For us, it is as natural as breathing. We breathe in the peace of God and we breathe it out to the world. As we breathe it out, we make visible our Congregational motto, “Be Peace, Build Peace, and Preach Peace.” It has become our identity and our mission now and into the future. “There is a future for a people of peace.” Ps 37:37
Taking on this mission of peace and transformation, I see that the future of religious life is evolving. Daily, I live into and embrace God’s declaration, “Behold I make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5). It impels me to be open to this newness and allow God to lead me into the future God has promised. Together, we are living and missioned in a world in motion. Indeed, we know that religious life has already shifted many times since Vatican II. The lives of religious sisters is now more collaborative than it has ever been. Every year there are new joint projects among religious congregations and the lay faithful. There are opportunities for younger religious women, such as through GivingVoice, to network across congregations to share vision, hope, and energy. The Leadership Conference of Women Religious is another structure that creates opportunities for congregations of women religious to learn, explore, and collaborate to meet the emerging needs of the world. All of these movements inspire me and give a skip to my step.
Yes, we are called to live and minister in the world – beyond the confines of our congregational footprint. Jesus planted the seed of peace in our hearts, and he is sending us out, just as he promised when he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so also, I am sending you.” (Jn 20:21). We go forth in the spirit of our faith, support, harmony, respect, and competence. Sisters, young and old, across congregations and countries are equipped by a life full of prayer, experiences, and professional skills. We are grounded in theology, determination, perseverance, and a pioneering spirit with vision and passion for the Mission of God. Younger sisters bring fresh energy, vision, and enthusiasm to the congregation, while elder sisters support, guide and share their experiences and pearls of wisdom. We pray for one another and we pick each other up when we falter. It is a life of peace, inspiration, abundance, and hope. We truly believe and embrace, the words of the Psalmist, “There is a future for people of peace.” Ps 37:37
If you feel you’re being called to become a sister, be encouraged and listen to the words of God, “do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” “I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). Curious? Do you yearn to be an instrument of peace? Visit our Becoming a Sister webpages or contact us, to begin a conversation. If you are ready to visit us, consider attending our Come and See weekend retreat in Columbus OH March 15-17. Click here for information and to register. The program is free, and we have some scholarship funds for travel assistance.