Inspiring Youth to Embrace Diversity

Sister Donna Del Santo and Sister Marilyn Pray

Nazareth University's annual Hickey Center Global Citizenship Conference on March 19 (Courtesy of Nazareth University)

The Sisters of Saint Joseph are inspiring young adults to embrace diversity and differences. Sisters Donna Del Santo and Marilyn Pray were honored to be among several guest speakers at Nazareth University's annual Hickey Center Global Citizenship Conference on March 19. This year’s event drew over 800 high school students and educators from various schools, all eager to learn about how they can be good global citizens.

Students heard from several speakers before breaking out into smaller sessions for further discussion. Sisters Donna and Marilyn each lead a session to a group of approximately 30 students. Sister Donna, the Campus Minister for Discernment and Vocation at Nazareth's Center for Spirituality, encouraged students to embrace the idea of sisterhood, explaining that everybody—regardless of background or culture—has a need for companionship, understanding, and a sense of community. Drawing from the principles of the Catholic Worker Movement, Sister Marilyn underscored the transformative power of compassionate service—sharing that true humanity is found in the way we serve and uplift those around us.

While reflecting on the conference, Sisters Marilyn and Donna were deeply encouraged by the enthusiasm and engagement shown by the young attendees. “The diversity, interest, and participation of the teens," explained Donna, "gave me great hope for our world in a time of challenge and chaos.”