In 1975, Cardinal John O’Connor, the former Archbishop of New York, took a visit that would change his life forever.
While touring the Dachau concentration camp in Germany, a place where thousands of lives were lost during World War II, he had a deeply moving experience that shaped his mission.
At the camp’s crematorium, O’Connor placed his hands on the oven and was deeply struck by the horror of human cruelty.
He later described this moment as a piercing realization of the deep wound in human society—the disregard for human life.
Sister Maris Stella, the vicar general of the Sisters of Life, shared with CNA that this moment ignited O’Connor’s lifelong mission to protect human dignity.
His vow to defend human life became the foundation for the founding of the Sisters of Life, a religious community dedicated to fostering a culture of life.
O’Connor’s Early Life and Devotion to Education and Service
O’Connor’s journey to becoming a champion of life began early.
After entering the priesthood at 25, he began teaching high school students while furthering his own education.
Earning degrees in ethics, psychology, and a doctorate in political science, he eventually joined the United States Navy as a chaplain.
During his 27 years in the Navy, he helped shape leadership programs that emphasized respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.
It wasn’t until the mid-1970s, after a visit to the Dachau memorial, that O’Connor’s mission truly solidified.
This transformative experience led him to devote himself to advocating for the sanctity of life, especially for vulnerable groups like children with disabilities.
A ‘Spiritual Response’ to a Culture of Death
During his years of reflection, O’Connor turned to the Gospel of Mark for inspiration.
A particular passage stood out to him—when Jesus tells his apostles that some demons can only be cast out through prayer and fasting.
This verse resonated with him deeply, as he saw the “contempt for human life” as a powerful demon in society.
He believed that such a pervasive cultural issue required a spiritual response, one that would be embodied by a community of women dedicated to prayer and advocacy for life.
In 1985, O’Connor founded the Sisters of Life, with a vision to respond to what he called the “culture of death.”
The community was founded on the belief that every human person is sacred, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.
The mission of the Sisters of Life is to protect and enhance human dignity, especially for the unborn, the disabled, and those suffering from emotional or physical challenges.
The Sisters of Life: A Growing Movement
Today, nearly 40 years after its inception, the Sisters of Life has grown to include almost 140 women, serving across the globe.
The sisters focus on offering support to women in crisis pregnancies, organizing retreats, and advocating for the sanctity of life in all its forms.
They also host programs like “Entering Canaan,” which provides healing for women who have experienced abortion, helping them reconnect with God and the Church.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus Convent in Midtown Manhattan stands as a key site in their mission, operating a home called the Holy Respite, where pregnant women are invited to stay during their pregnancies.
This convent has served as a sanctuary for hundreds of women and children over the years.
Celebrating O’Connor’s Legacy
On May 3, 2025, the Sisters of Life will celebrate Cardinal O’Connor’s legacy with a block party on John Cardinal O’Connor Way in New York.
The event will bring together his family, supporters, and those who have benefited from his life’s work, offering a time of joy, food, and community.
Afterward, a memorial Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to honor O’Connor’s contributions to the pro-life movement and his enduring legacy of love and life.
Sister Maris Stella, reflecting on O’Connor’s impact, emphasized his deep respect for human dignity. She pointed out that his work with vulnerable populations, such as those with disabilities and the unborn, demonstrated his belief that “dignity arises from the fact that they are held into existence by God’s love.”
Through the Sisters of Life, O’Connor’s vision lives on, continuing to inspire generations to come.
His life and mission remain a testament to the profound value of every human being, and his legacy of love, service, and advocacy for life will forever resonate in the hearts of those he touched.