Since early August, the Redemptoristine Nuns of NY (informally known as “the Red Nuns” because of the color of their habit) have been adjusting to life in their new home with the Dominican Sisters in Sparkill. They are not simply adjusting but staying true to their contemplative stance and mission, which is truly inspiring. So, who’s involved, how did it all begin, what’s going on?
Sisters Moira Quinn, Paula Schmidt, Mary Jane Stefanik, and Maria Paz Suarez arrived here on August 5 after sharing a residence with the Carmelites of Beacon, NY (11 years) and before that, living at Mt. St. Alphonsus in Esopus, NY, from 1960-2012. The Order of the Most Holy Redeemer originated in 1731 in Scala and Foggia, Italy, by founder Blessed Maria Celeste with the help of Alphonsus Liguori. Blessed Maria received a revelation from Jesus to start a new Order based on his life, death, and resurrection. The contemplative Order grew from these roots, eventually spreading to Canada and the United States through Belgium, Ireland, and England, leaving the memory of Christ in many places.
Sister Paula left her home in Michigan to enter the community in Toronto, Canada; Sisters Moira, Mary Jane, and Maria Paz entered Esopus. Itinerancy, a term often associated with Dominicans and Franciscans, means frequently moving from place to place to spread the gospel or engage in missionary work. These Nuns have been on the move for an Order of monastic women, embodying the spirit of itinerancy in their religious life. The Nuns often call on ‘Jesus the Wayfarer’ in their prayer, a title of Jesus that emphasizes His thirty-three-year journey on Earth and the importance of carrying his message of salvation through journeying with companions in faith.
The Dominican Sisters at Sparkill are delighted to be living and praying with these Nuns. The Redemptoristine Nuns have had overwhelmingly positive experiences and have been warmly welcomed into our community. They enthusiastically participate in all events, prayers, and socials—they are all in! The Sisters feel warmly welcomed. Sr. Mary Jane says, “It’s been wonderful. We’re very happy!”
Sister Moira has remarked on how collaborating with other contemplative communities helped her community meld smoothly with the Carmelites, laying a solid foundation to create something new now. Sister Maria Paz feels the profundity of meeting mission partners for whom she has been praying. “It’s an affirmation of why God called me to be a contemplative.”
Of course, moving is always somewhat stressful. Finding your way around, locating new doctors, and adjusting to a larger community than one has previously experienced can be real challenges. They are getting by with help from their new friends. Sr. Paula shares, “It’s our time now. I feel so blessed to sit with the Dominican Sisters and hear their stories.” As part of their renewal of religious life, the Sisters invited others into their monastery for prayer, retreats, and social visits. On their journey, the Sisters formed relationships with neighbors and friends at each location, so leaving those connections behind was “heartbreaking.” Hospitality of the Heart seems to be their trademark. Witnessing the Dominican Sisters and Redemptoristine Nuns grow in faith and friendship together will be an adventure.
If you are curious, click here to learn the difference between “Sisters” and “Nuns.”