| Sister Joan Chittister...a life in pictures First | Previous Picture | Next Picture | Last | Thumbnails
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At age 16, Joan presented herself at the door of the Erie Benedictine convent and announced her intention to become a sister. With her mother’s understanding and approval, Joan entered that year. Since she was a healthy, energetic, vibrant young woman, it was a shock when five weeks after her entrance, Joan was stricken with polio. She spent long weeks hospitalized, was in an iron lung, was confined to a wheelchair and used a heavy leg brace. She couldn’t walk on her own for four years. Her condition divided the Benedictine community who were torn about the more loving thing to do: keep Joan or send her home. But Joan was already evidencing signs of an invincible spirit and undaunted courage. So a decision was made -- Joan would stay. |
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