Last Rites to a Charity of Importance
I was deeply saddened when reading in the Nonprofit Times that an incredible group of philanthropists and leaders announced it was closing its doors. And while there are other similar orders out across the United States, they're also dying a slow death.
The Sisters of Charity of New York announced that they will be ceasing to accept new members, which will eventually lead to the dissolving of the organization. At the end of the day, there aren't enough individuals wanting to become nuns to substantiate the future of the organization. It should be noted that there are 13 other Sisters of Charity federation organizations (chapters) in different parts throughout the United States. But New York was amongst the first. And the other 13 chapters are in a similar state of affairs.
Just this small group of amazing women founded back in the early part of the 19th century, who centered their work in New York, created 185 schools, 28 hospitals, 23 childcare centers, and countless institutions that take care of the misrepresented, the not heard. They did so without asking for recognition because their vows and their hearts indicated a need to do so.
Even if you're not from New York, one of the different parts of the Sisters of Charity probably affected your community. They founded hospitals across the entire United States at a time when no one even wanted to be the first to just live in many of these communities. They founded schools and advocated for education when it wasn't convenient or easy. And as nuns, they did so by asking others to be philanthropic and support the noble work that needed to be done in the community.
The history of the United States could not be written without this group of amazing women and others like them. And yet, I don't think many people will notice. Who are the people today that wouldn't just give their money but give of themselves? Tirelessly. Without asking for recognition or praise. And for these nuns, both alive and to those who have passed, plus all the others who selfishly gave of themself, I say thank you in gratitude. You made many communities better places not only by the work you did but by the spirit in which you did it.
