Meet Sister Joanne Whalen, D.C.

I volunteered at the Marillac House in Chicago when I was in high school.  Sisters Jane Briedenbach and Maria Perez were responsible for the Cana Conference parents' children.  My sister and I were the baby sitters.  The Sisters were an intriguing mystery with their big blue dresses and white sailboat hats and the disappearing act.  We never saw them except for their supervision check-up.  They were always in the Projects neighborhoods.

What is it about my life that I love?  I love the freedom and the desire to help anyone in need and to have the resources available.  I love the life of a Daughter of Charity - to give myself to God, with annual vows, in community, for the service of the Poor; to live in community with other women in a common commitment to serve the least fortunate and those with other needs.

Living in community is always challenging with good times and bad times.  My greatest support and reliance is prayer.  Prayer is the common denominator that unites us.  It always results in the right answer.

I am passionate about my ministry at Anna House nursing home where I visit the residents.  I listen to their stories and I tell mine.  It's an enjoyable sharing.  Often, Jesus gives me a message in the telling and the resident proclaims the "Good News" which is very satisfying for both of us.  This happens with the staff, also.  They are Spirit-filled people who perform their duties (which are sometimes unpleasant) with kindness and dedication.

What impressed me, as a young adult, was seeing Daughters of Charity always on their way and busy about their Father's work but still available.  I have visited Daughter of Charity works on three continents, the United States, Europe and Japan.

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