When the Leadership Conference of Women Religious invited congregations to host a Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Advocacy a national initiative encouraging congregations and their friends to pray, fast, and advocate for social justice and peace from May 29 to September 5, 2025. It didn’t take long for the Sisters of Charity of New York to choose a date. August 28—the birthday of our foundress, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton—was the obvious and meaningful choice.
To honor Elizabeth on the anniversary of her birth, one or two events simply would not suffice. True to her spirit, our 100 Days observance unfolded as a full day of prayer, witness, and action.
Rosary for Immigrants and Their Advocates
The day began at the Grotto at Mount Saint Vincent with a Rosary for Immigrants and those who accompany them in advocacy. Sisters, staff, guests from Holy Cross Church Parish in the Soundview section of the Bronx, and members of the immigrant community joined together with our Leadership Team and Office of Peace, Justice, and Integrity of Creation.
The Rosary Prayers were offered in English and Spanish, creating a powerful moment of solidarity—echoing Elizabeth’s own commitment to welcoming the stranger more than 200 years ago. Afterward, participants gathered in LeGras Hall’s Community Room for coffee, tea, and conversation.
Silent Witness for Social Justice
Later that morning, Sisters, Associates, and staff assembled at the entrance to Mount Saint Vincent for a silent witness along Riverdale Avenue. Posters highlighting Catholic Social Teaching lined the stone wall, while participants held signs advocating for immigrants, the poor, the hungry, the sick, and all those marginalized or targeted in our time.
Some signs featured Elizabeth Ann Seton’s sharp critiques of greed, corruption, and “bad faith.” Others lifted up the words of John Lewis: “Good Trouble”—alongside our own rallying cry, “Holy Trouble.”
Prayer Hour: Fasting from Violence, Speaking Peace
The day concluded in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception with a Prayer Hour centered on “Fasting from Violence, Speaking Peace.”
Sisters, Associates, and ministry partners joined, including representatives from POTS, LEFSA, and the University of Mount Saint Vincent Campus Ministry. Candles were placed on a special altar to honor our ministries and the vulnerable communities they serve.
Sr. Margaret O’Brien welcomed participants, while Sr. Carol De Angelo read the Litany and Sr. Claire Regan spoke to the importance of gathering in prayer. Scripture and reflection followed: With the Migrant Beatitudes; Sr. Kathleen Byrnes read Pastor Janelle Bruce’s reflection on Jesus turning over the tables—an act of holy trouble; and Sr. Terese McElroy recalled the inspiring words of John Lewis on voting rights, justice and Good Trouble, Necessary Trouble.
Diandra Garcia-Heredia, Advocacy & Program Coordinator for PJIC, closed with concrete opportunities for action on immigration, housing, and care for creation.
Support Immigrants & Refugees
Justice for Immigrants – Organized by the USCCB
Take action to protect the dignity of immigrants and refugees.
Justiceforimmigrants.org/take-action
Contact: Todd Scribner – Tscribner@usccb.org
Catholic Social Justice Advocacy
NETWORK Lobby – Promoting equity and justice for all.
Networklobby.org
If interested in joining the NY Advocates’ Group,
Contact: Catherine Gillette – cgillette@networklobby.org
Care for Creation
Catholic Climate Covenant – Protect our common home.
Catholicclimatecovenant.org
Contact: Katie Z – katie@catholicclimatecovenant.org
Those present were also invited to sign the “Good Trouble” poster as a personal commitment.
The afternoon ended with fellowship outside the chapel—complete with chocolate and vanilla cupcakes in honor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s birthday
Looking Ahead
We invite you to continue the journey with us as we continue to celebrate 50 years of sainthood:
Read our special Canonization Anniversary issue of Vision Magazine,
Watch the video release of our Sisters singing Ubi Caritas: Honoring St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Legacy in Song,
See all the highlights from a weekend of celebrations in Emmitsburg, MD, (Publishing weekend highlights piece after your piece) September 12–14—including museum tours, anniversary Masses, and more.
