FOR ALUMNI
EVERYDAY Religious Order Guides LEADERS Leadership Values for Former Professor
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ockhurst philosophy professor. Midwest Bioethics Center board chairwoman. Civil rights marcher in Selma, Alabama. Sister Rosemary Flanigan, C.S.J., Ph.D., has made her mark as a leader in many settings over many years. At 90 years old, the gregarious nun said she was able to have such a blessed life because of her decision to join the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. “One of the wonderful things about a religious community of men or women is that you spend your lifetime with people who share your values and your ideals,” she said. “That becomes a seedbed of friendship and moral leadership.” She recalls days after the events of 1965’s “Bloody Sunday” in which hundreds of demonstrators marching to the Alabama capital in protest of African-American voter suppression were attacked by state troopers. “There was a knock at my door,” Sister Flanigan said. “Sister Roberta Schmidt had received a call that there was a delegation of St. Louisans traveling to Selma the next day to show solidarity with the people. Our provincial superior (Sister Joan Marie Gleason) had a telegram from the bishop of Alabama asking religious communities around the country not to come to Selma so they could solve the problem on their own. Sister Roberta asked if we could go and Sister Joan Marie said yes despite the telegram. That’s what I call moral leadership.”
Sister Rosemary Flanigan, C.S.J., Ph.D.
Sister Flanigan said there are five important things to remember when trying to lead during difficult times. First, she said it’s important to have and to know your moral center. Second, lead for others and not for your own self-aggrandizement. Third, be kind to everyone from the very top to the bottom. Fourth, reflect on your path and your actions to see if they still follow your moral compass. Fifth, be open and willing to change if you find that you’ve strayed from that path. Sister Flanigan says she tries to keep active with the C.S.J and their schools, Avila University and St. Teresa’s Academy. And when she’s not busy, she’s always looking for a good book to read.
“One of the wonderful things about a religious community of men or women is that you spend your lifetime with people who share your values and your ideals.”
To view an interview with Sister Flanigan, visit rockhurst.edu/sisterflanigan ROCKHURST.EDU
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