Growing the Consciousness of Our Calling with Sr. Anne Arabome

15-03-2022 • 13 mins

In this episode, host Sheena Carey talks to Sr. Anne Arabome. She is presently the Associate Director of the Faber Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Marquette University.

Episode Highlights:

01:32 – I identify myself as a beloved child of God. This identity is what has shifted my personality and outlook in life.

03:53 – My parents pray the rosary every day without fail, so this set me on the path to my vocation as a religious woman and the kind of work that I do today.

04:50 – Every decision I have ever taken was inspired by my desire. I think it's all because of this direction that God has sent me.

09:00 – It is hard to win as a person of color. You’re either judged mean, angry, or dismissed as irrelevant and incompetent.

10:09 – Despite all the negative stereotypes, I believe in my roots as an African Nigerian woman so I celebrate and showcase it.

Interview

What`s story would you like to share with us today?

02:17 – I want to share my story of being a child of God of African descent.

How did you get on your path?

02:35 – I belong to a very small community called The Sisters of Social Service in Los Angeles, California, so my vocation to religious life began in my childhood.

What are some of the ways in which your identity has informed the choices that you’ve made?

04:21 – I desire to give life to others, I truly desire to be life-giving as much as humanly possible.

What`s been Marquette`s impact on the lives of women of color and in what ways has the university impacted your sense of self-worth?

05:26 – It's a struggle for a woman of color to be noticed and respected and invited to share unless she's seen as a powerful or influential person.

Who are the women of color that serve as inspiration for you?

06:19 – I think of you Sheena, I`ve always admired you when you showed in our programs and how you shared so freely. Your presence reminds me of the freedom that each person needs to feel and experience in their life.

What role has vulnerability played in the path that you’ve taken and the story you are telling?

07:41 – My experience of racism and exclusion is a constant source of desolation and lamentation. Yes, I cry when it happens but I make sure I rise to the height of my dignity as a woman of color.

What role have other women of color played in helping you negotiate these vulnerabilities?

09:39 – They have influenced me as much as I have influenced them to carry themselves with dignity and pride.

What are your hopes for the future of Marquette?

10:49 – My hope for today and the future is that all of us will grow in the consciousness of our calling to walk with each other.

What would you like the community to know about you and your journey specifically?

12:17 – I would like everyone to know that I have gifts to offer and I`m also open to receiving and learning.

Contact information:

Jacki Black

pronouns: she/her/hers

Associate Director for Hispanic Initiatives

Marquette University

454 Zilber Hall | PO Box 1881 | Milwaukee, WI 53201