Sisters of St. Martha are members of the Sisters of Charity Federation. One aspect of the Federation is having status as an NGO (non-governmental organization) at the United Nations. Each member Congregation of the SC Federation appoints someone to be the liaison person with the UN NGO Representative. Since 2009, Sr. Marion Sheridan has been that person for the Sisters of St. Martha, Antigonish. She completes her time in the role at the end of June 2022.

Sr. Marion has kept before us, Sisters and Associates, our commitment to social and ecological justice through the lens of being Global Citizens. With a tenacious commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Commission on Social Development she has helped the SC Federation to hazard yet forward in our commitment to social and ecological justice. These are just a few of the areas in which Sr. Marion is well versed, turning this knowledge into advocacy at the federal, provincial and local levels.

Her approach is always with a focus on those who live on the margins, who live in poverty, and for whom care of Earth is a matter of life or death. She is held in great regard and respect by her peer group of Federation NGO Liaisons as well as Sr. Teresa Kotturan, the current NGO Representative, and her predecessors.

Sr. Brendalee Boisvert, Congregation Leader expressed gratitude to Sr. Marion, “We are so very grateful for the way in which you have been the voice of the Congregation at the Global Level. You have educated us, challenged us, and invited us into a deeper understanding of how Gospel Hospitality can bring a contemplative and compassionate heart to our fractured world. Thank you, Sr. Marion for bringing the United Nations to us, and to the larger community. Thank you also for your dedication to keeping those in positions of authority informed and aware of these global issues that affect us deeply at the local level.”

Darlene O’Leary, PhD, our Martha Justice Coordinator, will be assuming the role of SC Federation NGO Liaison for the Congregation at the end of June. Darlene and Sr. Marion have been journeying together this past year leading up to this transition. We are grateful to Darlene for taking this on, in addition to her current role. We know that her expertise, skill, and passion for Social and Ecological Justice will intertwine with the SC Federation NGO Liaison role and add to the solid foundation that Sr. Marion has built upon. Thank you, Darlene, and we look forward to continuing this important work within the SC Federation and the global community.

Photo: Darlene O'Leary and Sister Marion Sheridan