Four orders of nuns in New York have successfully won a reprieve from new laws on Assisted Suicide.
Becket Fund quotes some of the sisters involved:
Mother Mary Rose Heery, O. Carm., Prioress General of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm:
“At our homes, we bring Christ’s unbounded love to elderly New Yorkers of every background and walk of life. We strive to bring His compassion to those entrusted to our care, ensuring that no resident ever has to die alone. This law strikes at the heart of that vocation.”
Mother Marie Edward, O.P., Superior General of the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne:
“For over 125 years, we have ministered to the poor who are dying of cancer as if they were Christ Himself. Our calling is to offer comfort, prayer, and loving medical care to those in their final days—not death. We pray the court will protect our freedom to remain faithful to that ministry God has entrusted to us.”
Sister Justyna Owsiejko, O.S.B., of the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict:
“We are simple nuns whose mission is to serve God—and we do that by offering the aged a home in which to live their final days in peace, tranquility, and comfort, cared for by Sisters who see the face of Christ in each person they serve. New York is trying to force us to abandon that vocation and help our residents commit suicide. That is something we will never do. Our foundress overcame war and exile to serve those in need—we will overcome this law to do the same.”
Mother Alice Marie Monica of the Little Sisters of the Poor:
“We have served God by welcoming the elderly poor and dying into our homes for nearly 200 years. Our calling is to protect and care for needy seniors, not steer them toward suicide. We will remain true to that mission, whatever the cost.”
