Earlier this month, Michigan Catholic Conference said goodbye to one of our own: Sister Monica Kostielney, RSM, my predecessor as president and CEO, went home to the Lord on April 28 at the age of 87.
Sister Monica’s career with MCC spanned four decades, beginning in 1972 and continuing to her appointment as president and CEO of MCC in 1994. She was the first female in the country to lead a state Catholic conference.
Of note to Detroit Catholic readers was Sister Monica’s connection to the Motor City: She was born and raised in Detroit and attended what was once known as St. Francis of Assisi parish elementary school and Our Lady of Mercy high school in the city.
She entered the Detroit Province of the Religious Sisters of Mercy in 1955 and made her final vows in August 1958. She then went on to receive her B.A. from Mercy College in 1960 and her M.A. in English and Medieval Studies from the University of Detroit in 1966.
Even though she retired from public life 15 years ago, reflecting on Sister Monica’s life and legacy and recalling some of her insights provide invaluable perspective on the continued need for the Church to be present in public policy advocacy.
Sister Monica understood that Catholic social principles are Catholic in the root sense of the word: universal. What the Church proposes is not just for Catholics, but for all of humanity.
“Our compelling interest is in what we believe is the common good, not that we’re trying to promote Church teaching,” she once said, which underscores why MCC advocates for universal principles such as the protection of human life and dignity, care for the poor and vulnerable, justice in education, and more.
In an age when many Americans, including Catholics, do not evaluate social, political or civil issues through the lens of Christ or His church, Sister Monica’s advocacy record consistently cut across partisan lines, in fidelity to and with deep respect for the full range of Catholic social teaching.
As president of the MCC, Sister Monica led MCC in opposing attacks to human life — such as proposals to legalize assisted suicide and embryonic stem cell research — and in support of measures to increase school choice. At the same time, under Sister Monica’s leadership, MCC opposed a proposal that sought to overturn policies designed to ensure more opportunities for women and minorities in society. She also led efforts to defend the dignity of the poor in the midst of welfare reform proposals.
Sister Monica also understood that Catholic advocacy is not measured by wins and losses, but rather, faithfulness to the Gospel, of which she said social justice is a “constitutive element.”
“Our advocacy voice is sometimes welcomed and other times rejected,” she said. “Nevertheless, we maintain an unwavering commitment to the principles of Catholic social teaching as we seek to shape a more just world.”
Over her career, Sister Monica received several gubernatorial appointments and served in numerous board positions. But this influence extended more from the person she was rather than the position she held.
Her interactions with others were shaped by the Church’s fundamental proclamation that all people are endowed with God-given dignity.
“When you meet people of differing persuasions you realize the truth that we are all made in the image and likeness of God. Republican or Democrat, governor or custodian — it makes no difference,” she said. “We get to know God through people, and people get to know God through us.”
In an interview the year she retired, Sister Monica reflected that “my years and experiences have helped me understand we are all alike. Underneath we all have the same hopes and desires. Everyone has a basic goodness and wants the freedom to be his or her true self and choose the good. If we love others and they truly know they are loved, that forms the best foundation for any relationship.”
The men and women employed at MCC in Lansing are grateful for the legacy of professionalism, humility, wisdom and grace exemplified by Sister Monica. Her timeless perspective that working with and talking to people from different walks of life and beliefs is worth carrying forward, particularly through these polarizing and divisive times.
She will be missed and always remembered. May God give rest to her beautiful soul.
Note: To further appreciate the life and legacy of this remarkable woman, MCC staff developed an online tribute page to Sister Monica that can be viewed at micatholic.org/SisterMonica.
Paul A. Long is president and CEO of the Michigan Catholic Conference, the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.
