February 10, 1916 – May 22, 2013

Sister Blaithin requested that we do not give reflections or memories on her life this morning and so I will honor her request. However, I do feel it is appropriate to speak of Sister Blaithin Sullivan’s witness as a Sister of St. Joseph in light of the readings we will hear this morning

The essence Sister Blaithin’s life was her strong relationship with God. Sister’s intimacy with her God was expressed in the fulfillment of her religious life. A reflection of our Constitution- the section on Prayer states: “Our prayer is nourished by the constant revelation of God in scripture, in nature, in the people and circumstances of our lives.” Appraising the many achievements and ministries during Sister Blaithin’s life, one can assume that Sister Blaithin structured her life within these perimeters. Sister’s value of education not only for the “dear neighbor” but for herself was of great importance to her. Many people benefited from Sister’s wisdom and assistance in their personal lives. They also obtained professional positions from her knowledge and experience. My life as a Principal began through the guidance of Sister Blaithin as did many Sisters of St. Joseph who served as Principals within the Archdiocese of Boston.

Sister Blaithin was recognized many times for her educational vision. She was appointed by the Congregation to become the Co-Founder of Aquinas, Milton. Sister was the first woman religious to be admitted to Delta Pi Epsilon at Boston University. She created NEARI- New England Archivists of Religious Institutions and received the M. Claude Lane Award from the Society of American Archivists in recognition of her work for religious archives. How honored we were as Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston to have Sister Blaithin as our Archivist, even though she kept calling us to write the Annals of our CSJ houses! Elms College in Chicopee summed up the achievements of Sister Blaithin, when they presented her with the Via Veritatis Medal in recognition of her “significant contributions to society”

This morning we are not left without Sister Blaithin speaking to us, echoing the words of St. Paul, when he spoke to the Colossians: “Let the peace of Christ control your hearts, be thankful and whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus”.

As we commend Sister Blaithin to God, we give thanks for the gift of Sister Blaithin Sullivan, a Sister of St. Joseph who journeyed with us for eighty years as a woman of wisdom, grace and insight. For these gifts we are grateful. We rejoice that Sister Blaithin is with her loving God, and that God is dwelling with her.

Given by: S. Gail Donahue, CSJ