- December 30, 2025 Social Justice, Sister Stories
On Oct. 18, several sisters from St. Louis joined thousands across the country in the nationwide “No Kings” protests, a movement calling for the preservation of democratic principles and opposing authoritarian tendencies in U.S. governance. Rooted in their mission of “love of God and neighbor without distinction,” the sisters brought a strong faith-based voice to the demonstrations, emphasizing justice, unity and care for the marginalized.
For the sisters, this was not simply a political act — it was a moral imperative. “I saw it as my responsibility to join with others to clearly state a need to protect our democracy by citing and asking all in political power to comply with our constitutional guarantees,” says Sister Jean Paul Selissen. “Keeping the balance of powers is key to the vision our forefathers had when they wrote our Constitution. May our period in history be known for keeping the U.S. faithful to that vision.”
Their stance reflects Catholic Social Teaching, which calls for life and dignity of the human person, solidarity and care for creation. Sister Suzanne Giblin explained, “That’s how I was standing there — for all of those principles — to stand up for what I believe, and thank God we have a community who encourages, not just tolerates, but encourages us to do that.”
The sisters’ presence was deeply personal and persistent. Sister Nancy Marsh shared, “I find that being able to physically stand with others in protest in a peaceful demonstration against the current political backdrop is the way I can try and counteract the overthrow of democracy. Yes, petitions and the ballot box go along with this protest, but this type of action unifies the people to resist as they can. I’ve been in the demonstrations each time this year — rain, cold, and heat — with my poster. I brought my sisters and neighbors with me. We stood together! Will continue to be there as needed.”
For many, the experience was transformative. Sister Suzanne recalled conversations with fellow demonstrators, including a Vietnam veteran on oxygen who said, “I fought too hard for us to have direction and to be part of making that direction.” She reflected, “I felt real solidarity in other people who were standing for the same thing. Together, we are more — and this was together.”
As the political climate evolves, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet remain steadfast in their commitment to justice. Their participation in the “No Kings” protests is part of a long tradition of standing with the marginalized and speaking truth to power.