Appreciating the Blessings of Sisterhood
by Sister Duchesne Maxwell, OP
Professed in 1953
The Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa were my teachers all through grade and high school at St. Cecilia in Omaha, Nebraska. They were good teachers and happy people. I wanted to be a Sister (in between boyfriends). When I was a freshman in college I visited a friend who had entered after high school. She said, “You belong here.” I went home and told my mother that I wanted to join the convent. She thought I was too young and sent me to talk with the priest who was superintendent of our high school. He told me that he thought I had already made up my mind. My mother asked me to finish my year in college, and I did.
God must have been watching over me, but I did’t realize it at the time. I just thought it was all my doing and proceeded happily with my plans. My family supported me wholeheartedly although years later my mother told me that she cried all night the day that I left home. I was the oldest of seven children and my father was in poor health. Both my parents wrote letters to me faithfully every week until just before they died. That connection with home was important. Now, being missioned at home over 50 years later, I realize what a blessing family ties are. Two of my brothers died this year and I was glad to be with them in their last illnesses.
Belonging to my home parish and praying in St. Cecilia Cathedral every day keeps the bonds of faith and the communion of saints strong. I am so grateful to be home now with my remaining family.
Having been in school ministry for 32 years, I know the importance of human development. In my current ministry as a hospital chaplain with cancer patients and their families, I try to bring the healing compassion of Jesus to those I meet daily.
My dearest friends are Sisters in our community. We stay connected through prayer, e-mail, telephone calls, and visits. “At the heart of ministry is relationship,” our Constitution reminds us. Our life is a happy life filled with blessings, loving support, and opportunities for service and personal growth. As our prayer for vocations states, “Ignite Your Word of Truth in many hearts. Inspire women to respond to Your call to vowed Dominican life. And give us a willing spirit to invite, welcome, and companion women who wish to join with us as we praise, bless, and preach Your Word.”