The Sisters of Life are a community of Catholic religious sisters that visit DU’s campus monthly. Founded in 1991, the community’s Motherhouse can be found in New York with convents in the Bronx and Manhattan. Five of the community’s 114 religious sisters have dedicated their time to rotating around six college campuses in Colorado.
Two of these religious Sisters come to DU’s campus each month for a couple of days. They can be often seen strolling around campus and standing out amongst the bustle of students.
Sister Maris Stella and Sister Fiat Marie were seen Wednesday and Thursday on campus this past week. For these Sisters, coming on campus and speaking with students brings them great joy.
“For us it’s a privilege to serve college students,” said Sister Fiat Marie. “So much happens in these years, and how these years are lived has such an important impact on the years to come.”
The Sisters spend their time on campus either tabling outside of Sturm, chatting with students or giving talks. Their last talk titled “The Meaning of Life” was given Oct. 3.
Erin MacRitchie is a sophomore English major from Fort Collins, Colo. She is also the current vice president of Catholic Student Fellowship.
“The Sisters are some of the most impressive women I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with,” said MacRitchie. “They are wonderful examples of what it means to dedicate one’s life to being as present as possible to everyone around them.”
The Sisters recognize that college is a pivotal time in life where many students grapple with big questions. Whether it be understanding the meaning of life or trying to understand one’s true identity, the mission of these religious women is to help students come to know their own responses to questions like these.
Students can casually chat with the Sisters during their tabling sessions or they can schedule a one-on-one appointment. The Sisters are eager to discuss anything from spiritual growth to healing from a difficult period of life to exploring pregnancy options.
“We just want to let students know that we’re here for them,” said Sister Maris Stella. “They’re unique and unrepeatable, they’re a reflection of God, they’re loved and life has meaning.”
The Sisters of Life will return to campus Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. During this time, they will be giving a talk at DU’s Catholic House, which is located across from Towers at 1795 S. Williams St.
