2012 Year of Women Religious at 401 E. 20th Street, Covington, KY 41014 US - Sisters respond to daily challenges with courage and creativity

I look at over 30 years of full-time ministry in justice and peace work and stand in awe of what God dares to ask. Many days I finish what I think I can do, in a very short time. The rest of my “to do list” clearly is beyond human capability. I can write a note to a man on death row. My challenge is to work with families, moms, dads, siblings, others, who are facing the execution of a loved one. There is no word to describe their pain. Beyond that are the real tasks of influencing a system so a life is saved and abolishing the death penalty. My C.D.P. community took a position against the death penalty years ago. It reminds me that “we hold as our model Jesus Christ who forgave those who took his human life on the cross.” This is my call to conversion!

Peace is the Divine Will for the Earth. Figuring out how to make peace is beyond most of us. Watching personal attitudes and words, being open to the wisdom of others, and prayer — these I do. But the call is to go beyond the personal. John Martin Moye, our founder, “dared to confront the situations of his time with uncompromising honesty.” Two hundred fifty years ago, at the foundation of the Sisters of Divine Providence, it was pre-revolutionary France. Today is different. Facilitating dialogue among differing individuals and groups, monitoring the policies of our government and sometimes protesting them are part of confronting the situation of our times and being an instrument of peace on Earth. This is my work.

The name “Sisters of Providence” was given to us by the poor among whom our first sisters lived. Immigrant people are people of great need today and they often suffer from prejudice and injustice. It is a great joy to help people with some basic needs. Educating about the way our present system works, pointing out the injustices, advocating in the legal system, and working for legislation that respects the dignity and rights of immigrant people aren’t so easy. This is my daily challenge.

The mission of the Sisters of Divine Providence is to be living witnesses to the Providence of God. I have been called by God and my religious congregation to do this in the public forum at times and behind the scenes often. I would never have thought this would be God’s will for me 47 years ago when I made profession. Now I know it is and I am so grateful for a rich, challenging and grace-filled life.

Sister Alice Gerdeman, C.D.P. is a professed member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence, Melbourne.