Name: Kathleen Desautels, SP Kathleen Desautels, SP is a Sister of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods. She has been a member of the 8th Day Center for Justice Staff since 1986. The 8th Day Center for Justice is a coalition of Catholic, religious congregations committed to act as a critical alternative voice to oppressive systems and to work actively to change those systems. Organization Websites: www.8thdaycenter.org www.sistersofprovidence.org
- How were you called to your current ministry/service? The death of the 4 American Churchwomen in El Salvador in 1980 was a defining moment in my life. Their kidnapping, rape, and murder and the disparaging comments made by U.S. government officials about the women being “communist sympathizers” enraged me. It impelled me to get more politically involved.
- Who inspires you? Young and old people alike who are involved in the peace movement such as the SOAWatch or the anti-war movement.
- What are the biggest obstacles to peace? Ignorance of social issues, lack of critical thinking being taught in the U.S. school system; add to this the culture of self-centeredness, religious fundamentalism, greed and individualism in this country to name a few obstacles for young people today.
- What is the biggest challenge your organization faces? The above named obstacles, as well as the lack of funding for persons/groups doing systemic change work.
- How do you get the news? Progressive websites, alternative magazines such as The Nation, Zmagazine, Conscience, Covert Action, etc.
- What are your favorite websites and why? See the 8th Day Center’s website for a list in various categories that cover, human rights, corporate-led globalization, women in church and society
- How do you nurture your faith life? I belong to a great community of women – the Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN – who continually challenge and support me even when we don’t always agree politically or theologically. I live with women who share prayer and dialogue on important life issues. I also take advantage of having a spiritual director who is a helpful guidepost in sorting out life issues.
- What advice would you give the next generation of church and civic leaders? Get involved with a peace group/faith-sharing group who will support you when family and others give you a hard-time about your “liberal” views. Doing justice work alone is setting oneself up for burn-out, if you don’t have a support community to nurture your ideals. Above all…it helps not to take oneself too seriously, rely or develop a sense of humor to get you through the hard times. And “if all else fails, have a party,” as we say at 8th Day.
- Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t know. I’m a feminist nun who hopes to die a Catholic!
- Last good book you read? Holy Thursday Revolution by Beatrice Bruteau
- Last good movie you saw? Crash
- If you were a teenage Peacebuilder you would… organize a group of friends and attend the SOAWatch rally at Ft. Benning, GA in November. Also, don't be afraid to make mistakes - learn from them. Some of my best life lessons were learned from the mistakes I've made.
- What is your favorite comfort food? Steak and Shake hamburger and fries
- Share a favorite quote that inspires you. “Never doubt that a small group of people can change the world. It’s the only thing that has.” Margaret Mead
While at 8th Day Kathleen focuses her energies on discovering nonviolent alternatives to U.S. policies that are detrimental to building up the human community and the environment. She works in coalitions both on the local and national levels addressing such issues as: U.S. military/economic policies, closing the SOA, women’s struggles in church and society, and environmental rights. Kathleen has participated in and been a trainer for nonviolent direct actions over the years. As a Prisoner of Conscience with School of the Americas Watch, she spent six months in Greenville Federal Prison beginning September, 2002
