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Sister Estelle Demers Sister Estelle Demers is one of 650 Medical Mission Sisters in 19 nations trying to be present to others in the spirit of Jesus the Healer. Born and raised on the Canadian prairie, Sister Estelle says that, "Becoming a part of the Medical Mission Sisters introduced me to cultures and religions that have changed my way of being." After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from the University of Ottawa, she received her Master's Degree in Religious Education and Applied Anthropology from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Sister Estelle served as Dean of St. Therese's Institute, a junior college for the formation of Medical Mission Sisters. She went on to be our Formation Coordinator in North America, and facilitated retreats for religious women and men. From 1970-76, she served as our Sector Coordinator. For the next 6 years, Sister Estelle shared in the planning and development of a community-based health care center, the Boyle-McCauley Health Center, in Edmonton, Canada. It has continued for 25 years. "The whole thing was a working miracle," she remembers. Returning to Philadelphia, Sister Estelle became involved in eco-spirituality. She helped found "Earthings," a major effort to develop earth awareness and the importance of recycling. "The earth is a foundational and primary revelation of God," she reflects. "We are part of this creation, and it shapes our soul." Having completed another 6-year term as Sector Coordinator in North America in 1998, Sister Estelle continues to work as a liturgical and eco-spirituality resource, and as a program designer and facilitator for Medical Mission Sisters. She recently celebrated her Golden Jubilee. "Religious life lets you undertake the living of the Gospel within the context of a group of people who are wanting to do the same thing," she shares. "Community is a powerful source of energy and creativity on applied Gospel living."
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