Sister Suzanne Donner, OP

Profession: June 19, 1968

Current ministry: Director of grounds, Jubilee Farm, Springfield, Ill.

Birthplace: Chicago

Home Parish: St. Thomas, Crystal Lake, Ill.

Previous ministries: Elementary School Teacher Christ the King, Springfield, Ill.; Holy Family Decatur, Ill.; St. Bernadette, Evergreen Park, Ill.; St. Christian, Chicago; St. Kevin, East Alton, Ill.; LaSalle Catholic, LaSalle, Ill.; St Edward, Chicago; St. Michael, Chicago; Principal LaSalle Catholic, LaSalle, Ill.

Musings: My love of Nature and the love I experienced in my family made it possible for me to consider religious life. I recall my mother explaining to me when I was a small child that the sisters I saw walking down the street were very special. She told me of the love that she and Dad had, then explained that the sisters had the opportunity to love everyone that come into their lives. This stayed in my mind and heart for a long time. When I arrived at the convent I saw in the sisters’ great joy, happiness, caring, hospitality, and love. Community life continues to give me hope, happiness, love and a special way to have the time to communicate with God. This is a challenging time to encourage young people to enter religious life, because so much is evolving in our world. Nevertheless, I continue to encourage young people to consider this special way of living and to be open to Holy Mystery in their lives.