Serving Heroic Women with the Sisters of Life

Sister Marie Veritas, SV is a member of the Sisters of Life, a community of women religious who, in addition to the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, vow to protect and enhance the sacredness of every human life. Originally founded in New York in 1991, they have had a presence in Toronto since 2007. In light of National Family and Life Week running from May 10 to 17, she reflects on this special ministry. 

1. Next year, you’ll be celebrating 20 years of ministry in Toronto. What has changed over the years since you started?

As Sisters of Life, we are captivated by the truth that you are good, that your life is sacred, that no one can replace you. And the Holy Spirit is creative in finding ways to help us share that truth — including allowing a couple of Sisters to run into immigration issues and have to come to Canada in 2007. Cardinal Collins generously opened the heart and hands of the diocese to welcome us. We learned later that a small group of people had been praying every week for 10 years that we would come to Toronto!

Initially, we focused mainly on serving women who are vulnerable to abortion, giving them the support and resources to be able to choose life for themselves and their children. We expanded our missions later to include our mission of Hope & Healing after abortion.

We have seen profound grace unfold in the lives of the heroic women we serve. It takes so much courage to reach out for help and for healing. We have learned so much through the witness of each, and we are so grateful to Jesus to be able to be part of these missions.

2. Can you go into more detail about how you help women with healing after abortion?

We’ve learned that peace and healing comes when women are able to share their burdens with Jesus and with others in a safe place. We meet with women, in-person or over the phone, as they walk the journey of healing. We also offer healing retreat days, where women can pray and process their grief with Jesus, a priest, a counsellor, the Sisters, and other women who are on the same journey. We offer a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment that can allow hearts to enter into Jesus’ healing embrace.

For information about this mission, you can look at our website, call us at 416-463-2722, or email us at toronto@sistersoflife.org.

3. You’re also the hosts of The Source. What was the rationale behind beginning this ministry as an order?

The Source — a monthly Holy Hour with music led by the Sisters — began in the Bronx, NY about 15 years ago, from an inspiration a Sister had to invite people off the street to encounter Jesus in the Eucharist. It has since expanded to almost every city where we have a presence. It’s a place to encounter the truth that Jesus loves you for you, not for anything you do, produce, or achieve. For more information and dates, check out our website.

4. During National Family and Life Week (May 10-17), Canadian Catholics are encouraged to take action to support vulnerable families. Where can people learn more about what you do? What can they do to support you in your mission?

We have many lay men and women who help us in our mission of serving vulnerable pregnant women, whom we call Co-Workers of Life. They help in a variety of ways, such as by taking a woman to her medical appointments or out for coffee; building a crib; delivering food and baby supplies; being a supportive mentor; intercessory prayer; etc. To find out more, or to sign up to be a Co-Worker of Life, you can visit our website.

Also, we would encourage people to take advantage of our INTO LIFE series, a free, original 12-part video series. It was developed for those who want to learn how and improve their ability to accompany women through unexpected pregnancies, to reflect what it means to live a spirituality of life, or to discover a new and different way to engage pro-life issues. It’s great for parishes and pro-life groups.

Our podcast, Let Love, is where we share more about the truth that you are good, that your life matters, and that you are unique and unrepeatable.