A Call to Justice and Belonging

As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, we find ourselves at a crossroads of civic celebration and spiritual reckoning. For Sisters of St. Joseph, history has never been a static textbook, but a living gospel to be written through prayer, service and the quiet, fierce work of gospel justice.

This anniversary can be a sacred time to recommit to the pursuit of Life, Liberty and Happiness, as we face three realities where the American promise remains unfulfilled, and where we can contribute to healing.

Life: Healing Our Common Home

True social justice cannot be separated from ecological justice; the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are one and the same. Creation is a sacred trust and we are called to protect our common home so future generations can flourish.

Liberty: Uprooting Systemic Racism

Racism continues to fracture our communities. We are called to embrace the God-given dignity of every person and move beyond comfort to dismantle racial inequities in education, housing, healthcare and the legal system. Together we can help build a society where liberty truly belongs to all.

And the Pursuit of Happiness: Welcoming the Stranger

America’s story has always been shaped by migration. Following the prophetic witness of sisters who minister at the borders and welcome families into our neighborhoods, we are reminded that welcoming the stranger is a Gospel imperative. This anniversary is a call to transform fear into hospitality, ensuring that America becomes a place of true sanctuary and legal fairness for all seeking safety.

As we commemorate 250 years, we can do so not with nostalgia or despair but with the radical hope of the Gospel. Together, let us turn this anniversary into a living prayer —healing our earth, embracing our neighbors, and renewing our commitment to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as promised for all God’s children.