by: Jessica Eimer Bowen, Promoter of Justice for the Dominican Sisters Grand Rapids.
Reflection delivered September 15, 2025 at Witness for Creation Justice on the Banks of Grand River Michigan with faith leaders lamenting environmental policy harms and commitments to action to protect earth’s resources.
“The Dominican Sisters have never stood on the sidelines—they have walked alongside the poor and vulnerable and defended God’s creation. Their lives remind us that meaningful change begins when ordinary people choose to act. As we gather for this Season of Creation witness event, we are called to live a little more Dominican: to love our neighbors, honor the dignity of every person, follow the nonviolent way of Jesus Christ, care for creation, and be a flame of truth, hope, and mercy.”
I am joining you today on behalf of the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids. My name is Jessica Eimer Bowen, and I serve as the Promoter of Justice for the congregation.
For those who may not know the Dominican Sisters—or for those who could use a reintroduction—let me tell you a little about who they are.
To understand who they are, it helps to begin with who they are not: They are not nuns who live in seclusion or monasteries—though there is, of course, nothing wrong with that vocation.
Who they are: They are sisters with careers, advanced degrees, and ministries that take them around the world to defend the poor and the vulnerable, and all of creation. They are women so humble and selfless that they often avoid recognition for the remarkable work they do.
Women like Sr. Maureen Geary, an attorney and the current president of Aquinas College—the school founded by the Dominican Sisters in 1886. Sr. Maureen has also served the Diocese of Grand Rapids in the Secretariat for Social Justice and worked with the Kent County Coalition to End Homelessness.
Women like Sr. Carol Gilbert, who has devoted her life to preaching and living nonviolence. She spent five years witnessing at two of Michigan’s Strategic Air Command Bases until both were closed, and then moved to Jonah House in Baltimore to continue her ministry of opposing war and calling for nuclear disarmament.
Women like Sr. Lucille Janowiak, who led the restoration of the native prairie on the Marywood property of the Dominican Sisters in Grand Rapids—complete with Michigan native plants and prescribed burns. She has been deeply committed to healing the land.
And countless Dominican Sisters who cared for children at St. John’s Home in Grand Rapids, which they staffed beginning in 1889 and which continues today as D.A. Blodgett.
No matter which Dominican Sister you meet, you will hear a consistent message:
“Our desire is for our presence to nurture hope in the world. For hope is that aspect of faith which makes us certain that the world is cared for and loved by God. Hope obliges us to work toward the realization of the promises found in Jesus: freedom, peace, justice, and reconciliation.”
And Love. Because love is the mission of Jesus, and the mission of the Dominican Sisters Grand Rapids. LOVE
The Dominican Sisters have never stood on the sidelines—they have quietly walked alongside the poor and vulnerable and defended God’s creation. Their lives remind us that change begins when ordinary people choose to act.
St. Catherine of Siena, our Dominican Sister from the 13th Century, said: “Be who you were meant to be and you will change the world.” St. Catherine’s message was not meant only for vowed religious. It was meant to encourage and empower each one of us.
My hope is that you leave today with a renewed call to live a little more Dominican: to love your neighbor, to honor the dignity of every human person, to walk in the nonviolent way of Jesus Christ, to care for creation, and to be a flame of truth, love, hope, and mercy.
So today, I invite you ask yourself, where is the Spirit calling me to bring love, hope, and justice to all of Creation? Even small steps, rooted in love, can help heal our planet and change the world.
