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Archbishop Lori Praises Women Religious for Their Impact on American Society

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Faith Desk

In Short: Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore praised women religious for their significant impact on American society during a keynote address at the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious meeting in Florissant, Missouri, on September 18.

Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore praised women religious for their significant impact on American society during a keynote address at the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious meeting in Florissant, Missouri, on September 18. The archbishop highlighted the contributions of women religious to education, healthcare, and social services, emphasizing their role in shaping the nation.

In his speech, Lori noted that women religious have taught children, cared for the sick, welcomed immigrants, and provided comfort to the dying, among other services. He expressed gratitude for their work, stating, 'The Church gives thanks. But gratitude alone is not enough. The Church also looks to you with hope.

The archbishop argued that the United States would have looked very different without the contributions of thousands of women religious. He said, 'Women religious changed the nation because they first allowed Christ to change them.' Lori acknowledged the paradox that women religious have both upheld American ideals and challenged the nation when it falls short of Gospel values.

Lori emphasized the importance of women religious as witnesses to the truth of God's reality and the possibility of holiness. He said, 'The world struggles to understand this paradox,' referring to the dual role of women religious in upholding and challenging societal norms.

The keynote address was part of the 2026 National Assembly of the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, which marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The theme of the assembly was '250 Years of Freedom: Daughters of the Church from One Generation to the Next.' The council comprises major superiors and vicars from 112 religious communities around the U.S.

The archbishop also noted the importance of women religious in bearing witness to the truth that God is real, that holiness is possible, and that sacrifice is fruitful. He concluded, 'It needs women whose lives bear unmistakable witness to the truth that God is real, that holiness is possible, that sacrifice is fruitful, and that love poured out in communion with Christ can transform the world.

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