An epiphany is a sudden manifestation or an intuitive grasp of reality through something usually simple and striking. It can be considered an awakening.

In the liturgical year, today is the celebration of Epiphany—the day on which the manifestation of God’s presence awakened the world to a new reality. It is a day on which we are reminded that God has called us to be a light for all people to set their hearts free.

The Corporate Commitment that we, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, have embraced is kept in our mind’s eye by several committees, each one offering new ways to live out that commitment with direction and purpose. As a result of the work of the Committee for Peace and Justice, we have chosen today to show our support of the search for justice manifested by the Occupy Movement, a movement that is committed to illuminating injustice and inequality.

And so, in alignment with our Corporate Commitment:

The Benedictine Sisters of Erie announce that they stand in solidarity with the nonviolent quest for justice promoted by the Occupy Movement.

The Occupy Movement’s focus on the growing wealth divide highlights a major injustice in our nation and our world caused by financial policies that favor the wealthiest corporate and individual interests and the squandering of money in multiple wars.

Sister Anne Wambach, Prioress, explains, “The basic aims of the movement, a more just, compassionate and democratic nation, are in concert with the corporate commitment of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie to be a healing presence and prophetic witness for peace by working for sustainability and justice, especially for women and children.”

As women of faith, the Benedictine Sisters pray for a collaborative and cooperative movement that remains impelled by the desire for peaceful means to achieving justice for all.