Band Of Sisters

Band Of Sisters, directed by Mary Fishman, is a heartwarming and thought-provoking documentary film from 2012 that brings to light the powerful, transformative journey of Catholic nuns in the United States from cloistered, rule-bound clerics to fully engaged citizens of the world. Following the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, commonly known as Vatican II, the nuns stepped outside their convents and embarked on an eventful journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and service to the marginalized in society.

The film features three prominent female figures, Margaret Brennan, Carol Coston and Kathleen Desautels. Rather than binding them to their cloistered environments, Vatican II encouraged them to serve the God by engaging with the world. Released from their centuries-old mandates of being silent, obedient and submissive, they found the liberty to actively engage in social, political, and environmental spheres. Determined and transformed, the featured nobs aim to create a meaningful impact on the modern world.

Margaret Brennan, a theologian and president of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart is one inspiring figure. Her experience and insights offered in the film provide a compelling and deep understanding of the transformation and liberation of nuns towards becoming agents of change. The involvement of these nuns in various social causes across the globe paints a very empowering picture.

Carol Coston, another featured figure, is the founder of Network, a progressive national Catholic social justice lobby. Her inspirational zeal sets the tone for the film, detailing the journey of how Catholic nuns evolved from silent figures to assertive activists, and her work as a lobbyist reflects the heightened sense of social responsibility the sisters embraced post Vatican II. This change for these women is not just an exterior one, but a profound shift in their understanding of their roles in the world.

Kathleen Desautels is one of the most striking personas. A member of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, in Indiana, she has been working for many years at the 8th Day Centre for Justice in Chicago, a multi-issue social justice center. Her life's work has revolved around standing with people living in poverty and publicly challenging corporate and institutional policies that perpetuate social injustice. Kathleen's story further illustrates the revolutionary nature of these religious women.

Director Mary Fishman proficiently uses historical footage, photographs, and interviews to tell the story of these daring women. It explores the significant and often controversial changes within the Catholic Church and wider society in the United States, showing how these women have navigated through patriarchal structures and societal norms to address key issues such as civil rights, gender equality, nuclear disarmament and social injustice.

This documentary is a powerful exploration into the lives of these previously cloistered Catholic nuns and their transformation into social activists. It effectively captures the strength and resilience of these women, showcasing their contribution to create a better world. Band of Sisters is an inspirational affirmation of the potential for change within religious and social structures.

The film serves as a motivational story for all. It nudges the viewers to question their own beliefs and compels them to explore the possibility of aiding humanity beyond the lines of gender, race and religion. Establishing the nuns not as perfect saints, but as usual human beings with extraordinary courage, determination and spirit, the film gives a face to the often unseen and unheard heroes amidst us.

Band Of Sisters is a blend of religious awakening, societal commentary, and personal transformation, making it an inspiring and enlightening journey for the audience. It highlights the importance of belief in one's ability to make a difference, the courage to break free from the constraints of tradition, and the significance of understanding that faith and action need to go hand in hand. Overall, it is a compelling narrative of faith, courage, and conviction that makes for an exemplary cinema.