Name: Sr. Carol Gilbert, O.P.
Throughout her life Sister Carol Gilbert, O.P. has repeatedly risked time in jail to participate in the work of building a nonviolent world. Most recently, on October 6, 2002 Sister Carol, along with two other Dominican Sisters, entered Minuteman II Missile Silo Site N-8 in northern Colorado and, inspired by Isaiah’s prophesy, hammered on the silo lid and the tracks that carry the lid to its firing position.
For this action she received 33 months for one count of felony sabotage and one count of destruction of public property. Her monthly letters “Ponderings from the Eternal Now” www.grdominicans.org contain a wealth of spiritual, emotional, and intellectual reflection on a life committed to the way of peace, the truth of justice, and life on the edge of faith. Additional essays, poetry, letters, and reflections are circulated widely throughout the Christian community and can be found at www.jonahhouse.org.
- 1. How were you called to your current ministry/service?
I am simply trying to follow the Gospel. - Who inspires you?
People who walk the talk inspire me. - What are the biggest obstacles to peace?
Apathy. - Describe for us a typical day.
Sister Carol is currently serving a 33-month sentence for an action in October 2002 and her schedule in Federal Prison Camp is, to say the least, firm.- 4-5 a.m. Prayer and a shower
- 5-6 a.m. BBC World News
- 6-6:30 a.m. NPR Morning Edition
- 6:30-7:30 a.m. Breakfast
- 7:30-11 a.m. Clean bathrooms for 125 fellow inmates
- 11 a.m.-Noon Lunch
- Noon-1 p.m. Walk, knit (sweaters, socks, gloves, etc.), and write letters
- 1 p.m. Count (remain in housing unit until 2:00pm)
- 2-3:30 p.m. Letters, library, walk, and read
- 3:30-5 p.m. Visit with women, get mail, and knit
- 5-6 p.m. Supper
- 6-8 p.m. Library, knit, and read
- 8 p.m. In bed
- How do you get the news?
I listen to the BBC and NPR and read things people send me. - How do you nurture your faith life?
Through prayer and nature. - What are your favorite websites and why?
I have not had access to a computer in 2+ years. - What advice would you give the next generation of church and civic
leaders?
Question authority. - Last good book you read?
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini - Last good movie you saw?
I have not seen a movie in the past 2+ years. - What were you like in High School?
I was reserved, quiet, and shy. - If you were a teenage Peacebuilder you would…
Read alternative publications, news sources, etc. - Share a favorite quote that inspires you
I collect quotes. They are too numerous to pick one! Read my prison letters “Sacred Earth and Space Plowshares II” and you’ll find my latest. These letters are found at: www.grdominicans.org
