Sister Joan Williams, OP

2022 – 62 Years a Sister

Prayer Ministry

Pray for those who willingly or unwillingly inflict suffering on others.

“May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.”

~ Ephesians 3:17

Pondering these sixty years as a Dominican fills my heart and spirit with gratitude. The unfolding of my life has truly been a gift of grace and of opportunity.

Service and hospitality were modeled by my parents; these qualities were contagiously caught by all my siblings from early childhood forward. Though not articulated at the time, joining a community dedicated to service seemed a natural way to carry on our parents’ legacy.

Each professional ministry prepared me for the next: as musician in K-12, as liturgist and choir director in multicultural, multilingual parishes, as formator and instructor with Church communities in transitional times following the Second Vatican Council, as religious educator among the Spanish-speaking, bringing groups together around the Word and preaching; all were part of the journey.

All places of mission were long stays: the longest being 19 years in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Unknowingly, inner transformation takes place while immersed in the reality of another culture. Upon return to U.S.A., now three years later, I realize how deeply the contemplative, life-giving, and challenging Latin American Spirituality has ingrained my spirit.

I am grateful that God is still at work in me and trust that ‘God’s work’ will be brought to fruition.

Sr. Joan Williams joined the Root Causes Honduras 2019 Delegation to shine a light on the forces that compel people to flee their homes and cross borders seeking safety and hope. Our congregation blessed her mission. Read more about the delegation in our blog below.

Sr. Joan Williams joined the Root Causes Honduras 2019 Delegation to shine a light on the forces that compel people to flee their homes and cross borders seeking safety and hope. Our congregation blessed her mission. Read more about the delegation in our blog below.

Sister Joan offers first-hand witness to the corruption, gang violence, poverty, and violence that cause people to flee their country seeking safety, hope, and compassion from countries like the United States.

Sister Joan offers first-hand witness to the corruption, gang violence, poverty, and violence that cause people to flee their country seeking safety, hope, and compassion from countries like the United States.

As well as testimony about the warmth and faithfulness of the people she served.

As well as testimony about the warmth and faithfulness of the people she served.

Sr. Joan accompanied men and women imprisoned in Honduras. Her prison ministry preaching and presence offered comfort in a place where hope and mercy are rare.

Sr. Joan accompanied men and women imprisoned in Honduras. Her prison ministry preaching and presence offered comfort in a place where hope and mercy are rare.

In 1998 she went to San Pedro Sula, Honduras where she began adult theological-pastoral formation.

In 1998 she went to San Pedro Sula, Honduras where she began adult theological-pastoral formation.