Sisters of the Living Way: Wounded Healers at Work

Some time ago I became aware of the Sisters of the Little Way of Beauty, Truth, and Goodness (SOLT), a private association of the faithful intending to become a religious institute in the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky. The mission of this budding community is – “listening and solidarity with people on the fringes of the Church, especially those who have been wounded, scandalized, or abused by members of the Church. We are the first community of sisters whose mission is explicitly dedicated to safeguarding, accompanying survivors, and educating about the dynamics of abuse in religious contexts.” After listening to their podcast Descent Into Light, and communicating through email and Zoom, I have decided to contribute a portion of my time, talent, and treasure in support of their work.

Today I had a video call with Emma, one of the SOLT volunteer coordinators. We shared our enthusiasam for being part of this vibrant mission effort. The Holy Spirit is clearly empowering what Henri Nouwen called “Wounded Healers” to make a difference in the lives and ministries of those who have suffered spiritual abuse. One of the things that most impresses me about the Sisters is their humility and genuine love for the Church. In the spirit of Joan of Arc, Therese of Liseux, Dorothy Day, and Thea Bowman, their aim is purification, calling on the Church to live up to name as “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.”

The founding Sisters are Sr. Theresa Altheia and Sr. Danielle Victoria. Sr. Theresa is a writer of several books on the “memento mori” (the Catholic tradition of remembering your death in order to live well). She has a Master’s in Philosophy and Theology from Boston College and hopes to begin a PhD with a focus on Safeguarding soon. Sr. Danielle went to the Rhode Island School of Design where she studied photography and film. She is now working on a Master’s in Ministry from Saint Vincent College with a focus on spiritual direction and recovery from spiritual abuse.

One of the ways I support the Sisters is through Prayer. I have responded to their expressed invitation:

“In the face of all that needs to be done to prevent abuse in the Church, you might think, “I’m just one person. What difference can I make?”

But the truth is: you matter.

Renewal is not just the work of bishops or Church leaders.

It belongs to all of us.

One concrete way that we would like to invite you to take on the weight that survivors often carry alone is to offer an hour of prayer for survivors and for the prevention of abuse in the Church.

Commit to pray at least one Holy Hour in reparation for abuse perpetrated by clergy, religious, and other Church ministers.”

Consider if God is calling you to make a difference: https://www.sistersofthelittleway.com